Transitivity and the Theme of Pursuit: Morrison's Song of Solomon

In recent years, scholars home and abroad explicate literary works based on systemic functional linguistics, which makes literary criticism even more objective. Taking the theme of self-identity in Song of Solomon as the research subject, the thesis interprets its thematic effect achieved by the transitivity systems through an analysis of the conversational excerpts representative of the character’s reliving and dooming. It rereads Milkman’s “flying” under the guidance of women, women’s awakening under the oppression of the patriarchal society, and the spiritual crisis of black Middle-class amid the white mainstream culture. The research indicates that Milkman is not the only hero who benefits on the road of pursuing. It is essential for black people to identify with their community and tradition so as to realize their “flying”. On the contrary, those who abandon the traditional culture are bound to degenerate.