Peacock

I'm sure by now we have all realized that Song of Solomon is chock-full of symbols and metaphors. Toni Morrison uses many different items to act as symbols throughout the book. One symbol that stood out to me is the Peacock that Guitar and Milkman come across. What makes this symbol stand out from the countless others within the novel is the fact that the Peacock represents something different for both characters.

For Milkman, the Peacock represents "vanity," wealth, and beauty(179). It is the materialistic wealth Milkman desires and what he believes will make him happy. The fact that the Peacock "can't fly no better than a chicken" represents how wealth and status will not allow Milkman to "fly"(179). Money will not set Milkman free.

For Guitar, the peacock symbolizes something very different. The peacock's wealth and beauty represents white people and their power due to money. The fact that Guitar wants to "catch it" and "eat him" alludes to the killing of white people by the 7 days.

For me, the peacock symbolizes the materialistic views of society today and how the rich control society. The peacock in Song of Solomon "struts" around like he owns the place just because he is decked out in "jewelry"(179). Likewise, wealthy people today have privileges that not everyone has, and they often think of themselves as better than those that are not as fortunate. 

What does the peacock symbolize to you? Is it similar Milkman's view or closer to Guitar's or something different altogether?

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