Struggle for Control in the Song of Solomon The idea of ​​complete independence and indifference to the surrounding world, symbolized by flight, is a prominent concept throughout the novel Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. However, the main character Milkman feels that this freedom is out of his reach; he cannot escape the demands of his family and feel fulfilled at the same time. As Milkman's best friend Guitar says throughout the novel, "Everybody wants a black man's life," a statement Milkman easily refers to as he tries to escape his sheltered life at home. While none of the story's characters successfully take control of Milkman's life and future, many make aggressive attempts to do so, including his best friend Guitar who, ironically, sympathizes with Milkman's plight, his frustrated cousin Hagar, and, most importantly , his father, Macon. Dead.Guitar Bains, Milkman's best friend since childhood, represents Milkman's only outlet in life outside of his isolated and secretive family. Guitar introduces Milkman to Pilate, Reba, and Hagar, as well as to ordinary citizens such as those who meet at the barbershop, and to weekend party-goers Milkman and Guitar regularly fraternize. However, despite their close friendship, the opportunity to earn a large amount of gold breaks all their bonds of friendship. Guitar, suspecting that Milkman has taken all the gold for himself, allows his greed and anger to dictate his actions and begins a manhunt, ready to take down Milkman wherever and whenever he can to recover his accumulated riches. Guitar's first sniper attempts to execute Milkman failed; however, the end of the novel leaves the reader with the impending death of Milkman or Guitar. Ironic that t...... middle of paper...... lives of members of the Dead family; Milkman, no longer able to live in an environment full of animosity, pushes him to leave his home and look for "his people". Coincidentally, while no single individual gains control of Milkman's living or dead life, Milkman's need to escape from his collective family and surroundings unknowingly captures him and the life he so fervently aims to keep away from the control of others . Works Cited: Morrison, Toni. Song of Songs. New York: Penguin Books, 1987. Schultz, Elizabeth. "African and African American Roots in Contemporary African American Literature: The Difficult Search for Family Origins." Studies in American Fiction 8.2 (1980): 126-145. History, Ralph. “An Excursion into the Black World: The 'Seven Days' in Toni Morrison's Song of Songs.” Black American Literature Forum 23.1 (1989): 149-158.