The Song of Solomon

I think that one of the most challenging parts of this book is really knowing what is true and what is not. The specific story regarding Ruth and her father. Macon says that the relationship between Ruth and her father was too close. Macon explains that her father delivered Ruth’s girls and when he died, he saw Ruth laying naked sucking on her fathers fingers. On the other hand though, Ruth said that when her father died she was not naked and she was simply kissing her fathers fingers. These stories are the complete opposite of each other. Macon explains this story as a creepy sexual encounter that Ruth and her father had. Ruth explains it as a moment of grief and her saying her final goodbye to her father. The story told by Macon is so outlandish and crazy that it seems impossible, but at the same time that doesn’t sound like something a person would just make up. The version that Ruth told is much more believable and realistic, but Macon’s story is just so outlandish I dont know why he would just make that up.

The way that I faced this challenge was rereading some of the parts of each story to really understand each version. When rereading each version of the story I’m able to be sure the details of the two different stories. I looked for similarities in each and also made note of the major differences. I also thought about the characteristics of Ruth and Macon to see who was more reliable in their stories. Macon has been abusive to his wife and seems to have a short temper, but when he talks about serious issues with Milkman, he has a more serious tone. Ruth on the other hand, is a more down to earth and a calm person. The personality traits of Ruth make me more inclined to believe her side of the story, but the real story about the relationship between her and her father is yet to be known.