Naming

Pilate—meaning "Christ-killing" or riverboat pilot

The name Pilate can be tied to the variety of themes Toni Morrison incorporates in Song of Solomon. Through random selection and a point of a finger her father chooses the name, which is assumed to explain the death of her mother during childbirth. The connection of her name can be in relation to the theme of the "death", which is mentioned periodically through out the book. Also, her not having a physical belly button could represent how she is not connected with society. She is different from the characters and by her not having a navel demonstrates a quality of being "divine". This comes from a religious perspective, God created Adam and Eve and in the Bible it says they do not have a belly button in that regard Adam and Eve can be similar to Pilate.


--Kristina Grindstaff