Throughout the Song of Solomon, Pilate Dead contributes her own sense of independence to exemplify that happiness does not always conform to the societal standards. Morrison reflects how Pilate “looked like a tall dark tree” (39) to represent that as she is not a (typical) vision of beauty, or a white woman, that her independence and fierceness is ultimately discredited (especially by Milkman). While Milkman is ridiculously immature throughout part one of this novel (and does not understand how Pilate could be considered beautiful), Pilate is independent and content with her way of life. As Milkman feels that “everybody wants something from (him)” (222), this contrasts to Morrison’s characterization of Pilate because she has the mindset to
