YMMV / Song of Solomon

• Genius Bonus:
  • Morrison slips in a few subtle details that will seem more meaningful if you know a little bit about West African culture. The emphasis on mementos for the dead, for instance, is inspired by the West African spiritual belief that one's dead ancestors retain a continuing presence in the physical world. Likewise, the Seven Days' organizational structure is influenced by the cultural importance that many West African cultures place on the days of the week.
  • Likewise, the section on Milkman's childhood—wherein he's mocked for being nursed by his mother until the age of nine—is influenced by the story of the West African mythic hero Sundiata Keita, who didn't learn to walk until he was around twelve years old.

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