Milkman's Materialistic And Dysfunctional Family

A product of Milkman’s materialistic and dysfunctional household is Milkman’s lack of healthy relationships with his sisters. Although, after a heated conversation with his sister Lena, Milkman starts to gain momentum to search for his identity. The importance of this discovery is in the fact that throughout his life, Milkman has always viewed himself as a victim of his situation, not a contributor to the issue. In return, as noted by Barbara Cooper, this marks progress for his process of self-discovery because it is measured “by a series of episodes during which he discovers his relationship to his family” (146). Although younger, Milkman displays an arrogant, condescending, and careless attitude towards his sisters. Even after being very
The memory causes her to say, “I thought because the tree was alive that it was all right. But I forgot there are all kinds of ways to pee on people” (Morrison 214). She is addressing how Milkman’s self centeredness followed him to his adult life where he continuously acts without understanding the effects he has on others. She also addresses his condescending nature when she says, “you’ve been laughing at us your whole life”, suggesting the complicated dynamic between him and his female siblings (Morrison 215). In fact, she continues on to call him a “sad, pitiful, stupid, selfish, hateful man” highlighting his poor treatment and character (Morrison 216). In particular, in this moment Lena expresses how similar Milkman has become to acting like their distant and greedy father, who is a huge factor in their dysfunctional household. At the end of this conversation, she tells him to leave, which actually prompts him not only to leave his house, but leave his
His old friend Guitar threatens to kill Milkman because he thinks that he is hiding the money that they had agreed to split before he left for the trip. Guitar corners Milkman who is with his Aunt Pilate, and shoots his gun, but ends up hitting and killing her instead. In this moment, Milkman sees “the effects of his actions on his family...he had hurt Pilate” marking another shift towards self-discovery because he recognizes and admits his faults, something he could not do very well before (Cooper 150-151). It is not until Pilate’s tragic death that Milkman comprehends “his aunt’s piloting role or her ability to fly” (Royster 438). The reference to “piloting” further emphasizes Pilate’s role in Milkman’s life as a mentor and guide, and a constant companion to steer him through tougher times in his life. Throughout Pilate’s whole life, she had always acted in ways that preserved Milkman’s life. When she is shot in place of him, Milkman “gains another self-awareness: ‘Now he knew why he loved her so. Without ever leaving the ground, she could fly (336)’” (Royster 440). The ability to “fly” is her free spirit and ability to still be able to give herself to others despite the oppressive conditions she lives under. Her love for her family flows out of her and in this moment of insight, Milkman is able to perceive and appreciate it. Also, through