To Choose: Love or Hate

Chapter 12 was definitely my favorite chapter of the book thus far. Milkman has come into himself much more than anytime he was in Michigan. He has also begun to realize that his actions have been very selfish and unkind toward others throughout his life. But more so than any of this, Milkman begins to take an interest his family’s past, instead of focusing on finding the gold. To me, his new shift in motivations is the largest change within him because it shows that he not only is remorseful for his past behavior, but also wants to be different, be better in the future.

Milkman’s change in priorities are reflective of Morrison’s hope for the black community and humanity as a whole. Milkman lets go of ‘sinful’ urges, such as greed, or anger (against Guitar for attempting to kill him), and instead looks to find his past. He chooses to embrace the love of the community around him, such as going hunting with the older men and willingly being the brunt of their jokes. Morrison compares his behavior, which she sees as the best course of action, with the ideals of Guitar. Guitar refuses to let go of the hate and violence that surround him, unlike Milkman. Instead of enjoying life and people that care for him, Guitar chooses to place his vengeance above all else, ultimately leading to him losing his friendship with Milkman. While in the southern town, Guitar focuses only on his goal, despite the violence that it entails, instead of finding connection and happiness with the people around him (like Milkman does). Guitar believes that his actions are for the ‘love’ of the black community, but when placed in the rural community, he makes no effort to become a part of their lives or love them the way Milkman does the older men, and more specifically with Sweet. Guitar becomes so close-minded that he can’t see that his actions, while in his mind “for” a good cause, ultimately hurt the people around him, such as his attempts to kill Milkman.

Guitar’s inability to let go of violence are what Morrison faults the most. She knows that peace cannot be found until people cease looking for revenge and instead look to find love and companionship. Milkman has let go of his selfishness, his ideas of what he “deserves,” and has found a greater sense of freedom and purpose, as exemplified by his lack of fear upon seeing Guitar. Milkman’s anger against his family disappears, and he wants to become a good son and brother, he wants to ask about their day and care for their daily pains. Morrison shows that one can only love once hate is released. 

“When people begin to define the things that they believe in, based upon the exclusion of all the things that they hate, all that does is eat away at the soul. Define the things that you believe in based upon the pursuit of the things that you love and then that love should be able to override all those things that you hate.”

-          C. JoyBell C.