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Song of Solomon Annotation/Reading Reflection

In Song of Solomon, there are many challenges that the reader faces, which is why this book can be difficult to read at certain points. The biggest challenge that I have faced while reading this book is trying to understand character’s pasts and relationships between different people. Perhaps the biggest relationships that are called into question are Macon and Ruth’s marriage, and the one between Macon and Pilate. There are questions that can be asked about these, such as why do Macon and Ruth have such a poor marriage, and why does Macon have a strong sense of hate towards his sister (Pilate). Morrison eventually fills the reader in on both of these areas, but for a while the reader is not able to understand why certain relationships are the way they are. Once we learn why the relationships are like this, it can be difficult to understand why they have come to be like this, and what the characters did in their past. For example, what went through Macon’s head so that he felt it was ...

The Kalil-Felbinger Family History

    My name, Henry Kalil-Felbinger, has both stories and origins behind it. My last name is a combination of my mom’s and dad’s last names, and both have originated in different countries. My mom’s last name is Kalil and is a very popular Syrian last name. At one point, it probably would have changed from Khalil to Kalil, as Khalil is a very common spelling of the name. My dad’s last name is Felbinger and has German origins, but it is not as popular in the country as my mom’s is. My first name does not have any relation to family members, but instead has an interesting story behind it. My mom’s best friend growing up was named Henry, and she felt that because this person was so important to her as a child, she would name her first son Henry. My family came to America from many countries in Europe. My dad’s side of the came from Germany, Ireland, and England. On my mom’s side, there is the overlap of Ireland, and other relatives came from Lithuania and Syria. The fi...