Ideas about Pilate

Ideas about Pilate:

• Named after the Pontius Pilate who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus in the New Testament 
• Have traveled to many states throughout her life (roaming) but gives up this lifestyle in order to raise her family 
• Lack of bellybutton alienates her from society and fully revealing herself to others 
• She cannot take a lover unless under darkness 
• She serves as a guide (pilot), knowledgeable of geography and human nature and always assisting someone in their path whether it is Milkman or her father’s spirit. 
• She wishes that she could have known more people so that she could have loved more people when she is dying in Milkman’s arms. 
• She is protective and generous with those that she loves as her natural personality traits are loving and somewhat selfless 
• Pilate’s singing connects her to her family’s path even when she knows nothing much about it she sings about Sugarman’s flight. 
• She maintains an idea of the past throughout the story which also helps to drive other characters such as Macon Jr. and Milkman who both enjoy her singing and the history of their family once it is discovered. 
• The song Pilate sings assists Milkman in finding the truth about his past ancestors. 
• Pilate is strong-willed yet gentle and selfless yet free which displays that certain characteristics do not come at the expense of others 
• After she dies, milkman realizes that she is able to fly without leaving the ground because during her entire life she was already free 
• She is the exact opposite of Ruth Foster – Pilate does not follow by the typical stereotype of submissive black women at the time 
• Pilate is a storyteller and teacher serving as somewhat of the village elder who carries wise tales and advice 
• She dabbles in the art of voodoo with those around her in certain situations 
• She is associated with images of snakes and serpents throughout the novel 
• Pilate creates her own wealth in her own way rather than her brother Macon Jr. 
• Money is not as important of an object for her as love is.

Tegan C.