Domestic Violence in "Song of Solomon"
page 67
Macon didn't wait to put his fork down. He dropped it on the table while
his hand was on its way across the bread plate becomming the fist he
smashed into her jaw.
Milkman hadn't planned any of it, but he had to know that one day, after
Macon hit her, he'd see his mother's hand cover her lips as she searched
with her tongue for any broken teeth . . . and that on that day he would
not be able to stand it . . .
"You touch her again, one more time, and I'll kill you."
Macon was so shocked at being assaulted he could not speak. He had come
to believe, after years of creating respect and fear wherever he put his
foot down, after years of being the tallest man in every gathering, that
he was impregnable. Now he crept along the wall looking at a man who was
as tall as he was -- and forty years younger.
Questions:
1) Shortly after this incident Macon offers Milkman reasons for his
violence. Do you think he is lying to Macon to justify his actions?
2) Even if Macon is telling the truth (about why he feels such hatred and
contempt for his wife), are his actions justifiable?
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