The society of individual verses in the Song of Songs Toni Morrision's novel "Song of Songs" contrasts the image of a self-made individual with that of an individual who is the product of his or her society. As society changes, man who simply reflects his social environment changes accordingly. But “the individual's true self-discovery depends on achieving awareness of his own nature and identity” (Middleton 81). This is what differentiates Pilate and Milkman from Macon and Guitar. There are direct similarities between Milkman's and Pilate's self-discovery. Both achieve their individualistic spirit through travel, literal and symbolic. This is not the case for Guitar and Macon Dead jr. “Where Pilate and Milkman’s self-discovery is a journey of individuals, Guitar and Macon Dead Jr. are defined and determined by the type of society they belong to” (Davis 225). Milkman is the protagonist of the novel and also the embodiment of Morrison's notion of individual self-discovery. Throughout his life Milkman is pulled in all directions by the people around him. His father wants him to work with him, his mother wants him to go to medical school, Hagar wants a serious relationship, Guitar wants him to accept the Seven Days. Milkman rejects all these options and distances himself from those who want to direct his life. Milkman gains self-awareness after leaving Southside and traveling to Shalimar. The journey through Danville changes him profoundly. Loses or damages all material possessions before leaving Danville. “Milkman is symbolically stripped of all things that connect him to his life on the Southside” (Davis 225). However, it is in Shalimar that he undergoes spiritual growth and acquires se...... middle of paper ...... individual struggles for self-definition and self-awareness are linked to the discovery of one's heritage, one's ancestors and their culture. Ultimately, Milkman's escape is the discovery of his connection to his ancestors. Toni Morrison believes that individuality without community leads to selfishness. But a community without individuality is a community without spirit. Guitar and Macon are conditioned by society. Pilate and Milkman are inspired by community. “Milkman's escape is not an escape from responsibility, it is an escape to true conscience” (Middleton 113). Works Cited: Davis, Cynthia A. "Self, Society, and Myth in Toni Morrison's Fiction." Contemporary Literature 23.3 (1982) Middleton, David. The Fiction of Toni Morrison: Contemporary Criticism. New York: Garland, 1997. Morrison, Toni. Song of Songs. New York: the penguin group, 1997.