In the fifth chapter of Song of Solomon, the characterizations of Ruth and Pilate provides insight to the suffering of women by showing how they function and survive in society without a man to depend on. Another interesting aspect in the story is the irony their struggle creates.
The passage in chapter five, with Pilate arriving with her daughter and her grandaughter at her mother's house provides insight to the suffering of women because it shows how powerless women are without a man to be dependant on. If there isn't a man leading them, they don't know what else to do besides return home. In that time period, women had no choice but to rely on the man of the house. It simply wasn't the "traditional" or "proper" for a lady to get out in the world and survive on her own. The passage demonstrated women's powerlessness in society.
In order for the Ruth to live happily in her upper-class lifestyle and be accepted by others, she must sacrafice. Ruth suffers under Macon Jr.'s abuse for years and never stands up for herself so she can draw money from him and maintain her lifestyle. On the other hand, Pilate is somewhat a different type of woman compared to Ruth. She doesn't look for anyone's approval, she has confidence, and doesn't define herself according to what a man thinks. Morrison elevates Pilate's status in the book to an admirable role model; however, the speaker reminds us that independent and self-assured women are not traditional ladies, and can be mistreated because of it. As a result, Pilate pays the price of alienation for her freedom.
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