Annotation Reflection

What has been most challenging thus far in your reading of Song of Solomon?

What I have found very challenging is how Toni Morrison doesn’t clearly establish the history or dynamic of the Dead family at the beginning of the novel. Rather, she throws in small pieces of information about the family’s past and assumes that the reader will piece together their dynamic through those small details, as well as how the characters interact around each other. I found this at times difficult to follow because you have to read very closely in order to not miss any important dates or events Morrison may throw in to add to the background of a character. For example, Morrison did this when explaining Pilate’s past and her lifestyle after moving off of her father’s farm.  She mentions abruptly in the middle of a paragraph describing her tendencies and personality that she “... had not shed a tear since Circe had brought her cherry jam for breakfast” (149). While this most defiantly says something about Pilate as a character and can add context for her behavior, Morrison adds no further context as to who Circe is, why she was bringing Pilate jam or why it had made Pilate cry. It is short sentences like this that made understanding Morrison’s characters difficult and the first half of Song of Solomon challenging.

How have you addressed this challenge?

I have addressed this challenge by making sure I reread paragraphs multiple times before moving onto the next passage. I like to make sure I understand something as much as I can before I can continue to avoid further confusion. Annotations has made this easier as well, making going back to look for information I may have forgotten easier to find. While annotating has been difficult for me in the past and felt like it got in the way of my reading, I have found it to be incredibly useful while reading Song of Solomon. It gives me a visual representation of my thought process and there is something very clarifying about seeing my exact thoughts written down next to the text. It makes it much easier to connect my ideas to the passage in front of me and therefore understand what I am reading much better.