Song of Solomon and It's Women

Racism is only one of the issues that Morrison discusses in Song of Solomon. Morrison also talks about the different aspects of sexism, indirectly portrayed by the different women in the story. The passage is an example of the struggles faced by women. Pilate and Ruth are similar in their struggles in some aspects, but it is the differences that their struggles have that create the irony that weave the story of these women's lives.

In a way, Pilate and Ruth are both raising dependents on their own; the absence of Macon Jr. surely puts the weight of parenting mostly on Ruth, which makes the people in her household her responsibility. Though they are synonimous in this way, they differ in their attitude and strength. Pilate is a strong woman, a key stone of the community, and very independent individual; however, Ruth's strength is almost nonexistent. The irony in these two situations comes from the the fact that even though Ruth has a husband to support her, it is Pilate who can't leave because her sister-in-law is "dying of lovelessness" Morrison (151).

Irony rears its ugly head again on the face of the women's parenting styles and what they mean. Though Pilate is stronger, her children are seen almost as her property; Ruth, on the other hand, draws from her children the affection that she severely lacks. Drawing evidence from their characterization, one ties together the similarities of the all of the women's struggle in the story. The irony that weaves the women's story together is the fact that no matter their situation, despite how free or well off they seem, they are still trapped in someway. This idea is not uncommon in the time that this story is set. However, the more these women fight their situations, the worst they become.