As Milkman observes Pilate’s ability to simultaneously fly while staying grounded, he begins to develop and understand the meaning of freedom from flight. Pilate serves as the archetype for an independent and free character not bound by societal restraints. Her strong characterization ignites admiration from Milkman when he notices her masculine traits: “she was as tall as his father, head and shoulders taller than himself.” Pilate’s masculine traits not only highlight her independence and strong presence, but also signifies her ability to fly away from societal norms of an African American women during her time period. Due in part to Milkman’s lacking male father figure, and another in part to Pilate’s ability to fly in her masculine traits, Milkman immediately places Pilate as his mentor for discoveries. …show more content…
Pilate deliberately “wouldn’t step foot on an airplane” and chose to ride in a car with Milkman driving instead. Because she allows her family members to set the pace, Milkman is able to follow along and witness Pilate fly even as he struggles to get off the ground. Even on her deathbed, where Pilate achieves the ultimate freedom of leaving the world, Milkman follows her path of flight as he finally realizes that “If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it.” Her final flight is symbolized by the birds as they “circled round them”, and because she achieved in leading Milkman towards the freedom of flying, she finally allows her feet to lift off of the ground and truly fly without any