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What Are The Effects Of Milkman's Carelessness Towards Women

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1. Conclusion Toni Morrison’s novel is about a family’s unstoppable influence on its child showing that an unfettered development and search for identity is almost impossible in a family environment. It is about the contrast between the involved women, their effects on Milkman and his successful journey to a mature man who realizes the value of women. Morrison depicts the fatal consequences of a childhood in a patriarchal family leading to a misunderstanding of women but also that a partial distance from it is not enough to be freed from it. Due to a passive mother who endlessly loves her child, large parts of Milkman’s characterization are in the hands of his ruthless father who hates his wife viewing all women as possession and valueless. …show more content…

With his lover Hagar, Milkman has a tempestuous relationship. Probably, she is the one who suffers most under Milkman’s carelessness towards women. His misogynistic behavior, taught through his father’s rejection of his wife, lacerates her feelings but combined with Pilate’s irresponsible but well-intentioned other-worldly upbringing and lifestyle, finally cost her life. Contrary to his mother, Milkman’s aunt Pilate is Ruth’s foil. Abhorred by her brother Macon, she lives her own life apart from her close relatives. Being in line with the past, she offers Milkman a haven where he can listen and learn about the past. By teaching him the importance of culture, history and origin, she is the first who helps him to find his self. Her position apart from Milkman’s family enables her to make Milkman reflect about himself and his perception but however, also Pilate reaches her limit when it is about influencing Milkman’s traditional view of women. Leaving his hometown to find Pilate’s gold, Milkman quickly learns that he cannot achieve his aims with his condescending nature. For the first time dependent on others, Milkman understands to value and honor people and his search becomes a quest for self-identity which changes his

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