One thing I find interesting is that her name is a homophone for "Pilot", which we can interpret as symbolizing her 'leading those who are in need of guidance'. Despite being named after the man who plotted the crucifixion of Jesus, Pilate proves to be anything but wicked. She is incapable of cruelty, and is willing to do anything for others to relieve them of their suffering.
When Milkman and Guitar get in trouble by the police, she feigns bewilderment to get them out of their situation. When her daughter Reba is beat up by her boyfriend, Pilate steps in and threatens the man at knife point to never go near her daughter again. She shows that despite her old age, she has never lost her strength and fortitude. Pilate is a woman who loves others and is willing to do anything to protect her family.
Pilate is one of my favorite characters in this book. I loved her individuality and freedom she possesses. She can come off as mean and violent, but she really has a lot of love for her family and that is admirable.
ReplyDeletePilate is an amazing character. She is very peculiar but she proves to be a really good person, she takes care of her daughter and granddaughter and Milkman. Milkman even thinks of Pilate's house as a safe haven. I like how you bring up that her name is a homophone for Pilot and I think that shows how flight and flying is a really important theme in the novel.
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ReplyDeleteWe touched on Pilate's name being a homophone for "pilot," and seeing you comment on that made me think about how she really has become the person who offers guidance to those who need it. Although it may not be that direct, it definitely makes me think of how she helped Ruth get pregnant with Milkman -- certainly a form of guidance.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree, Pilate is my favorite character in this book. My favorite moment was when she defended Reba. After seeing so many female characters abused and controlled by men in various books throughout the semester, it is refreshing to see a strong female character stand up to a man the way she did.
ReplyDeleteI think Pilate is notable for being the only character (if I remember correctly) who makes Milkman actually feel real shame. Even Lena laying a well-deserved verbal beatdown on Milkman sees him just leave rather than deal with it. However, after Milkman robs Pilate's house, he does feel ashamed (in the tub), and later, when he has his epiphany/moment of empathy for his family, he is described as feeling the same sort of shame as after he robs Pilate.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea that Pilate is a kind of "moral pilot" for other characters in the book. She embodies mystical characteristics which make her compelling for Milkman, but ultimately he learns so much from her. After stealing from Pilate, Milkman seems to exhibit real guilt because he knows that he has broken the trust she has for the people she loves.
ReplyDeleteI love how morison works in flight to the novel. Through Pilate's name, or through the birds, ancestors it all ties together. It would have been cool if Pilate could fly like solomon!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on most part of Pilate being this kind of angelic guide for the characters in this book. However, I feel like the book also emphasizes the character as human who has flaws (I.e human bones and weird things)
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