Few novels put names at the center of the story as deliberately as Song of Solomon does. Macon Dead, Pilate, Milkman, First Corinthians, and Guitar all carry names that came from accident, scripture, or habit rather than choice. That makes naming a rich essay topic, and a tricky one to grade fairly.

The Dead family name comes from a clerical error rather than from ancestry, which turns a bureaucratic mistake into an inheritance. Students who catch that detail can argue that the novel treats official records as unreliable guardians of identity. Weaker essays mention the mistake and move on without interpretation.

Pilate's name was chosen by her father from a passage in the Bible, and she carries it around in an earring. Her name becomes something she wears, which invites students to discuss how she owns an identity others tried to define. This is a strong detail to reward when it appears with real analysis.

Milkman's nickname is a source of shame, and his quest ends when he learns his ancestors' names through the children's song. That arc gives students a natural way to structure an essay about naming and self-knowledge. Look for essays that link the beginning and the end.

Grading criteria for a naming essay

The most useful criteria separate finding examples from explaining them. A student who lists five names has done the easy part. A student who explains what each naming reveals about power, memory, or belonging has done the work you are grading.

• Identifies specific naming moments rather than gesturing at names in general
• Explains how each name connects to family history or community
• Distinguishes names given by others from names claimed by the character
• Connects naming to the novel's larger argument about identity
• Uses accurate quotations or paraphrases with page-level precision

Common weak spots in these essays

Many students treat every name as symbolic when some are simply names. Encourage them to choose the two or three most meaningful examples and go deep. Depth almost always beats coverage in a literary analysis.

Another weak spot is treating the biblical allusions as decoration. Pilate, First Corinthians, and Hagar all echo scripture, and the connection deserves interpretation rather than a passing mention. Ask students what the echo adds to each character's story.

Making feedback specific

For a student who lists names without analysis, try a comment like "Pick the name that matters most and explain what it costs or gives the character." That single sentence redirects the whole essay. It also models the kind of thinking you want.

For a strong student, push toward comparison. Ask how Milkman's relationship with his nickname differs from Pilate's relationship with her name. The contrast often unlocks a more sophisticated thesis.

Keeping scoring consistent

Naming essays are easy to over-reward because the material is interesting and students often write with enthusiasm. A rubric with clear analysis criteria keeps you from grading on charm. Running the same rubric through a tool like GraideMind can also surface inconsistencies across a large stack.

Pull two or three essays at random after grading and re-score them a day later. If the scores shift, your rubric or your reading needs tightening. This quick audit takes ten minutes and protects fairness.