Song of Solomon and Social Norms

Nut of the week: Candlenuts

The candlenut tree is the state tree of Hawaii. Candlenuts have such a high oil content that they burn like a candle when lit.

"Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison has certainly been an interesting read so far. It is nothing like anything I have ever read before. 

Just in the first chapter, on the thirteenth page, Ruth Dead begins to breastfeed her son who is, "too young to be dazzled by her nipples, but he was old enough to be bored by the flat taste of her mother's milk". Morrison continues describing how Ruth finds pleasure through this activity, and connects it to the popular fairytale Rumpelstiltskin. She images her sons lips, "pulling from her a thread of light. It was as though she were a cauldron issuing spinning gold." Even now, the passage is still a bit disturbing to read. 

But why is that?

Because breastfeeding past infancy is regarded as abnormal? It is because it challenges our social norms. However, I believe that it is acceptable to do things a little differently. It shows creativeness, individuality, and boldness. Just look at the candlenut. Most nuts are mainly consumed as food, but these nuts have been used as a light source for years. In regards to "Song of Solomon", Ruth is breastfeeding for pleasure in a hard relationship. She finds comfort in this activity, and while we may observe this as disturbing and strange, she sees it as a paradise. When analyzing literature, I believe it is crucial to think about how the characters themselves might think or act based on the situation they are put into. Don't let social norms stop you from doing what you want to. Think outside of the shell.