Alienation

Alienation is seen in many characters, but most notably in Milkman in the first half of the novel. He alienates himself from his family, friends, and community due to his behavior and social class. Ruth is alienated from her community because she is the daughter of Dr. Foster as well as Macon Jr.'s wife. Her social class separates her from the rest of the women in her community. Overall, alienation is seen in the race clash throughout the story. There is a great deal of tension between African-Americans and whites during the time of the story. Blacks are alienated from whites because they are black, and blacks who try to act “white” are alienated from other blacks because of their behavior.

Flight as Escape

Flight is a central theme to Morrison's story. It begins with Robert Smith's flight from the top of Mercy Hospital in an attempt...