Plight of Women

In chapter five, Ruth is characterized as another Hagar: an insestuous and obsessive freak. Pilate is characterized as a headstrong, but caring individual (just caring in an extreme sort of fasion.) Both of their characterizations represent a women's situation in this story and reveals mankind's ironic misconception when it comes to women.

The scene when Milkman follows his mom to the cemetery reveals to the reader her unnatural relation with her father: Macon Dead and thus comes her negative characterization. This scene shows us the secret side of women--the side they choose to hide from the world. It also provides insight to every woman's obsessive compassion for others, not only explaining Hagar's crazy obsession with Milkman, but Pilate's violent protection of her daughter.

When Ruth tells of her childhood, she reveals her headstrong side and her compasionate side. Her compassion is shown in how she refuses to "move on" because of her brother's husband. She provides insight to how women will defy what is expected of them and do whatever it takes to get what they want. Such is the case with Hagar and her attempts to kill Milkman. This is also displayed through Ruth, when she drugs her husband so he will make love to her.

In conclusion, the women in this story are obsessive and aggressive. This is ironic because this is not how society has ever viewed women, yet it exists. Thier struggles reveal everything that they are not.