Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who are the two owners of the barbershop?
Who are the two owners of the barbershop?
- Guitar
- Milkman
- Railroad Tommy (correct)
- Hospital Tommy (correct)
Who gives a lecture about everything Milkman is 'never going to have'?
Who gives a lecture about everything Milkman is 'never going to have'?
Railroad Tommy
Why doesn't Guitar like sweets?
Why doesn't Guitar like sweets?
It reminds him of dead people and white people
What physical difference symbolizes Milkman's need for growth?
What physical difference symbolizes Milkman's need for growth?
How did the sisters react when Milkman hit his father?
How did the sisters react when Milkman hit his father?
What does Milkman start to remember as he's walking?
What does Milkman start to remember as he's walking?
What is Milkman NOT interested in that shows his need for growth?
What is Milkman NOT interested in that shows his need for growth?
What metaphor describes Milkman's view of Hagar?
What metaphor describes Milkman's view of Hagar?
What does Pilate say is her inheritance?
What does Pilate say is her inheritance?
What part of Milkman's gift to Hagar makes her the most mad?
What part of Milkman's gift to Hagar makes her the most mad?
What does Milkman say he would do if his town turned into Montgomery, Alabama?
What does Milkman say he would do if his town turned into Montgomery, Alabama?
How does Milkman react to Freddie's ghost story?
How does Milkman react to Freddie's ghost story?
Who is Guitar spending a lot of time with?
Who is Guitar spending a lot of time with?
Who does Freddie tell Milkman to ask about the strange things going on?
Who does Freddie tell Milkman to ask about the strange things going on?
Flashcards
Who is Railroad Tommy?
Who is Railroad Tommy?
One of the owners of the barbershop; also gives a lecture about what Milkman will never have.
Why Guitar dislikes sweets?
Why Guitar dislikes sweets?
He dislikes them because they remind him of dead people and white people.
Milkman's short leg?
Milkman's short leg?
His short leg symbolizes his need for personal development, growth, and balance.
Reaction of the sisters?
Reaction of the sisters?
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Milkman's memory?
Milkman's memory?
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Milkman's disinterest?
Milkman's disinterest?
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Milkman's view of Hagar?
Milkman's view of Hagar?
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Pilate's inheritance?
Pilate's inheritance?
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Gift to Hagar that angers?
Gift to Hagar that angers?
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Milkman's escape plan?
Milkman's escape plan?
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Milkman's reaction to ghost story?
Milkman's reaction to ghost story?
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Guitar spending time with?
Guitar spending time with?
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Who should Milkman ask?
Who should Milkman ask?
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Study Notes
Characters and Relationships
- Railroad Tommy and Hospital Tommy are the barbershop owners, representing local figures in Milkman's community.
- Guitar’s aversion to sweets is tied to memories of death, particularly the emotional impact of his father's passing.
- Milkman's short leg serves as a physical symbol of his personal and emotional imbalance, indicating a need for growth.
Milkman's Journey
- Milkman's actions, particularly hitting his father, provoke a hateful reaction from his sisters, highlighting familial tension.
- While walking, Milkman experiences a flashback to being breastfed at an older age, evoking themes of dependency and maturation.
- Disinterest in racial politics exemplifies Milkman's struggles with identity and societal issues.
Symbolism and Metaphors
- Milkman views Hagar as a disposable distraction, described metaphorically as "the third beer," emphasizing his lack of emotional connection.
- Pilate claims a green sack as her inheritance, symbolizing both material and familial history.
- The signature "with gratitude" on Milkman's gift to Hagar infuriates her, signifying a lack of depth in their relationship.
Community Dynamics
- Milkman expresses a desire to escape if his town becomes oppressive, signaling his view on seeking freedom.
- Milkman's dismissive reaction to Freddie’s ghost story demonstrates a refusal to engage with superstition and folklore within his community.
Interpersonal Connections
- Guitar is spending time with Empire State, indicating shifts in his social networks.
- Freddie suggests that Milkman inquire with Corinthians regarding unusual events, hinting at family secrets or tensions.
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