Pilate’s disconnection from society develops her role in Milkman’s life as a living example that an innate connection to society does not lead to self-fulfillment, but a willingness to accept oneself. Pilate’s isolation from society due to her absent navel provides her with the opportunity, “to decide how she wanted to live and what was valuable to her,” which was not an privilege granted to Milkman for his decisions and values were dictated by his father (149). Toni Morrison’s explicit use of “she” and “her” drives contrasts between her life as defined by those around her and the life she chooses to life. Contrasted with Milkman’s initial focus on his, “eyes women complimented him on, a firm jaw line, splendid teeth,” Pilate’s escape from
