Song of Solomon: A Myth, Fairy Tale, or both?

(Note: My computer is self-aware and is actively trying to kill me. I cannot post in the comments...anyway)

Bruno's, Fairy Tale versus Myth, draws distinguishable similarities and differences between the fairy tale and myth by highlighting the key points of each. Based on these points, Song of Solomon borrows heavily from both types of ancient story-telling when constructing its narrative and form. However, Toni Morrison leaves it up to the reader(a rare action for her) to interpret whether Song of Solomon is a myth, fairy tale, or a hybrid of both.

The key features of a myth are seen in Milkman's character. One striking parallel that I found was between Milkman and Oedipus. The Oedipus complex, the theory that children want to push away their father in order to have their mother to themselves, is clearly seen in Milkman. Macon Jr. even notes that Milkman's relationship with his mother is unhealthy, namely the fact that Ruth breast-fed Milkman long past infancy. Another aspect of the myth that defines Milkman is his actions during the third act of the novel. Bruno states, "Myths typically involve superego demands in conflict with id-motivated action, and with the self-preserving desires of the ego. A mere mortal is too frail to meet the challenges of the gods" (37). When Milkman undergoes his journey to discover his history and heritage(a superego demand), he battles with Guitar Baines, who is driven by greed and hatred(an id-motivated action). For a normal individual, it would be impossible to complete Milkman's quest. But, Milkman discovers he is not a mere mortal when he learns that his father was the legendary Solomon that flew back to Africa. This god-like element in his blood allows him to stand and fight against Guitar.

The elements of a fairy tale are used to describe the setting and the characters in Song of Solomon. One element that the novel borrows is the type of characters in fairy tales. "The fairy tale, by contrast, makes clear that it tells about everyman, people very much like us" (40). Indeed, the characters of Song of Solomon are "normal" individuals that would belong in the time period they are depicted. Staying on the concept of characters, another aspect of a fairy tale is seen in Milkman. "If names appear, it is quite clear that these are not proper names, but general or descriptive ones" (40). Milkman is not his birth name but is descriptive of his character, who "drinks" the kindness from everyone with nothing in return.

The ending of the novel is where Morrison asks the reader whether to view the book as a myth or fairy tale. When Milkman leaps at Guitar, the result of this action is left unanswered. Does Milkman defeat Guitar or is he shot and killed? The answer to this question determines whether the book is a fairy tale or myth. "An even more significant difference between these two kinds of story is the ending, which in myths is nearly always tragic, while always happy in fairy tales" (37). The reader must draw understanding and interpretation from the rest of the novel in order to decide Song of Solomon's true story type.