Song of Solomon, though not crafted specifically for a young adult demographic, offers a profound narrative that resonates with mature teenage readers. Central to the story is Milkman Dead's journey of self-discovery, as he grapples with his sense of identity, familial relationships, societal role, and stance on pressing social issues. This journey is marked by themes of incest, family dynamics, and racial and class struggles.

Incest and Its Impact on Identity

One of the novel's prominent themes is incest, which significantly influences Milkman's sexual identity. Readers are introduced to the unsettling revelation that Milkman's mother, Ruth, had a sexual relationship with her father, Dr. Foster. This complex relationship casts a shadow over Milkman's life from the very beginning, as his nickname, "Milkman," originates from a late preschool incident where someone witnessed Ruth breastfeeding him. Further compounding his complicated sexual history, Milkman's first romantic involvement is with his cousin Hagar, a relationship that turns tumultuous once he ends it, prompting a violent reaction from her. The theme of incest also lingers in the peculiar relationship between Macon II, Milkman's father, and his sister Pilate, where past intimacies remain embedded in Macon's memory.

Family Dynamics and Surrogate Figures

The narrative intricately weaves Milkman's strained relationships with his parents as another central theme. As a young boy, he idolizes his mother while perceiving his father's treatment of her as harsh. This perception is shattered when Macon reveals Ruth's incestuous past, leading Milkman to reject both parents—his father for unveiling the truth, and his mother for being part of it. In search of surrogate parental figures, Milkman turns to his friend Guitar for paternal guidance and finds a maternal presence in his aunt Pilate. Additionally, Milkman must navigate his responsibilities within his family, particularly recognizing the autonomy and desires of his sisters and respecting their personal lives.

The Struggle for Social Identity

Beyond familial conflicts, Milkman wrestles with understanding his societal role. Well into his thirties, he drifts through life, occasionally working for his father but primarily spending his days with Guitar. His lack of direction is underscored by themes of race and class, particularly the exploitation within the black community. Ruth's father, Dr. Foster, exemplifies elitism, being an ether-addicted doctor who commands respect through deception rather than skill. Meanwhile, Macon II, as a landlord, profits from high rents without maintaining properties, choosing instead to invest in affluent black communities. Milkman finds himself in conflict with his father's business practices and is also confronted by more militant approaches to racial justice. Guitar, involved with the Seven Days group, embodies this struggle by avenging unpunished racial crimes with retaliatory violence. Milkman, however, cannot align with Guitar's radical methods, highlighting his internal conflict over how to address societal injustices.

Ultimately, Song of Solomon challenges readers to ponder the complexities of identity, family, and societal roles. Milkman's evolution reflects a broader commentary on the struggle for self-understanding within the confines of societal and familial expectations. Through Morrison's narrative, mature young adults can explore the intricacies of personal growth and social responsibility, making it a profound addition to the literary journey of any reader seeking to understand these universal themes.