Sejal Says, “The Peacock Motif Goes Beyond the Novel”

When I was reading Song of Solomon, the continuous symbol of the peacock was very unique to me. As we discussed in class, we see the peacock’s first appearance when Milkman and Guitar are hanging out and discussing all of the gold they want to steal. In this scene, the peacock appears as a vision of white with a tail “full of jewelry” (Morrison 179). This tail symbolizes the wealth and greed that exists in Milkman and Guitar as they plot to steal the gold. However, even though this peacock is radiating with beautiful jewelry, it is weighed down by it and is consequentially unable to fly. This plays into the theme of releasing the burdens that weigh you down in order to stretch your wings and soar freely. Additionally, I have never seen a white peacock before, typically peacocks are a blueish-green color so the appearance of a white peacock helps draw attention to it and truly emphasize the significance it has in the story.

The peacock makes another appearance later on in the book when the bobcat is killed. The presence of the peacock at this moment is related to the peacock’s earlier scene in the novel. Previously,  the peacock’s wealthy appearance weighed it down however, now it’s able to fly. The message is obvious — Milkman is no longer weighed down with his greed and his entitlement, so his soul can feel free in a way it couldn’t back in Michigan. He is also not burdened by Guitar and is able to leave his past behind. 

Now to discuss the motif of the peacock in correlation to Hinduism, an Indian Religion. When I was reading Song Of Solomon, all of the peacock appearances reminded me of the peacock’s role in Hinduism. The Peacock is associated with Saraswati, a figure representing benevolence, patience, kindness, compassion, and knowledge. Peacocks are also identified with the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. That is why people keep peacock feathers at home because it is believed to bring wealth and prosperity to the house. This religious interpretation of the peacock is consistent with its meaning in the Song Of Solomon. It also helped me personally make real-world connections from the novel.