The odyssey of Malcom “Milkman” Dead III spins the myth of Black American identity out of Judeo-Christian, Greco-Roman, and African folklore.  Simultaneously historical and fantastical, natural and supernatural, comedic and tragic, Song of Solomon blends genera to capture that which stands beyond categorization: the heroic humanism of a people whose legacy has many traditions but is heir to none.  In this class we will carefully read Toni Morrison’s novel to explore questions of myth making, identity, and justice; and we will ask, what does it mean to bear the consequences of being a self.

Teachers joining us for our online summer seminar will meet each day July 22–25 from 3 to 5 p.m. EDT to discuss the text in a small, interactive class led by St. John’s faculty. There is no cost.