Identity In Pilate Dead

Milkman struggles with his own identity because the only culture his father passes down is of greed and misgony. Any knowledge of family history is passed on through the family values; “Macon Dead’s ability to dominate an impoverished black community in economic terms is mirrored in his overwhelming patriarchial authority within his household”(Murray, 128”). After Ruth tells a story of her embarrassing behaior at a wedding, Macon slaps her. Milkman first defends his mother until later when Macon discloses the story of the estranged relationship Ruth had with her father. Milkman then begins making the parrallels to his own relationship with his mother, making him ashamed of the woman. Milkman’s real name is Macon Dead III, another example of …show more content…
This shame for women continues with another member of the family, Milkman’s Aunt, Pilate Dead. Pilate Dead is one of the few characters that embrace the past and understands her own identity; “Pilate has always had a knowledge of self which enables transcendence ”(Lee, 70). Even Pilate embracing her name, with it’s negative connation, shows her openminded nature the other characters lack. She embraces her name by wearing it as an earring, not afraid to show that the name people may perceive as evil is something she wears with pride, reflecting her …show more content…
However, as Milkman’s journey progresses his motivations change to a quest for his identity. This instance is first realized when his car breaks down and a knife is pulled on him. Milkman realizes that “here, in his ‘home,’ he was unknown, unloved, and damn near killed” (Morrison, 270). This experience is the first time the boundaries of segregation have intertwined; he begins to identify with other African Americans rather than separate himself from the community through materialism. The car is ruined, forcing Milkman to ride the bus. The symbolism here is that there is no longer a reliance on materials separating him from the community, but rather the beginning of acceptance amongst them. In Shalimar Milkman is invited to go on a hunt with other black men, where he leaves his money behind to rid himself of the material possessions that provide a boundary from establishing a connection to the community. The names of the elder hunters all appear to be biblical- Omar, King Walker Calvin Breakstone, Small boy, and Luther Solomon. This suggest that the hunt is a sort of rite of passage towards spiritual growth. During the hunt Milkman learns an appreciation for his culture and also sees his faults; “For the first time he understands Guitar 's love of the South but concludes also that something has maimed him-as it has all the victimized blacks there” (Lee, 69). So when Guitar attacks Milkman, Milkman leaves the