Song of Solomon remains close to its literary roots by motifs prevalent in its text. These motifs, search for identity, oral tradition, and flight, are some of the many distinguishing characteristics, or semiotics, of the African American literary canon. Morrison uses this text and its themes to convey meaning and to teach a powerful lesson to her audience: it is imperative to honor our ancestors by acknowledging, understanding, and reverencing their importance to world history. The wisdom the reader gains from the lesson frees her or him to prepare for a more viable future.