Macon Dead III: Names
The protagonist of Song of Solomon is Macon Dead (the third), often known as Milkman. His name is the same as his father's, who has the same name as his own father. For much of Macon Dead III's (abbreviated to 'MDIII') life, the names he is called (and by whom) have had significant impact on him. As Macon Dead, son of Macon Dead, son of Macon Dead, his father's name overshadows his, leaving MDIII an ineffective teenager in an adult life, running errands for his father. "Milkman" (a nickname given by Freddy aimed against his mother), on the other hand, is how he is known in places like the Blood Bank, fitting in with people like named Guitar or Empire State or Railroad Tommy. When MDIII sets out in search of his origins, the narration calls him Milkman, but he introduces himself as Macon Dead, or just Macon. Initially, when he meets the people his father grew up with, he plays up his status as Macon Dead, son of Macon Dead, basking in the attention of pe