Pilate's Influence of Milkman's Life and Death
While the ambiguity and mythical aspects of the last scene are remarkable, the final interaction between Milkman and Pilate sticks out to me. Pilate is the only one in Milkman’s family who strayed from societal and familial expectations. I believe her unique identity encouraged Milkman to eventually seek individuality and pursue his family history. The final scene conveys the significance of their connection and reappearances in each other's lives. Pilate constantly appears in Milkman’s life. She is present even before his birth, when she comforts Ruth and tells her, “Don’t take no more mess off Macon and don’t ram another thing up your womb” (Morrison 132). Her moment with Ruth foreshadows a significant influence of her nephew's life. However, after Milkman’s birth, Pilate does not see him until Guitar reconnects them. When introducing Guitar to readers, Morrison writes, “The boy who not only co...