Milkman's actions in the Final Scene

As we discussed in class, there are many possible interpretations of Guitar and Milkman's final exchange in the ending scene of the novel. While the prevailing theory is that Milkman rises to get in a final battle with Guitar, Bella suggested that Milkman was actually suicidal in the final scene. Looking closely at the wording in the last scene, I found that this theory is very plausible. However, I'm still quite conflicted. Firstly, we are told Milkman stands up when he knows Guitar is aiming directly at him, ready to shoot: "Even as he knelt over her, he knew there wouldn't be any other mistake; that the minute he stood up Guitar would try to blow his head up. He stood up." It is very clear here that Milkman is unafraid of Guitar's gun. The question is, is this lack of fear a willing acceptance of death or bravery? I think this specific action is a brave challenge to Guitar, as he starts yelling at him as soon as he stands up. However, his words are provoking, almost teasing to Guitar: "Over here, brother man. Can you see me?" "You want me, huh? You want my life?". Note that Milkman also "cupped his mouth with one hand and waved the other over his head" while saying this, trying to make himself very visible. While Milkman doesn't want to be shot down the instant he gets up, he is egging on Guitar to take a shot.
Milkman's following words strongly support the theory that he is suicidal: "You want my life?" "You need it? Here." It is awfully strange of someone going into a duel to the death  saying "take my life". Because of this, the scene doesn't feel at all like it would lead to a final battle between Guitar and Milkman. Rather, it feels like Milkman is egging Guitar on to kill him, or possibly teasing Guitar for not having the guts to kill him. Finally, in the last line, it is explained that Milkman did not know he would be able to fly (or rather, float): "For he now knew what Shalimar knew: if you surrendered to the air, you could ride it". Milkman "now" knew that he could fly, after he jumped. Because he didn't know he would be able to fly before he jumped, I read this scene as Milkman leaping towards guitar, thinking that he would get shot.
What do you guys think? Leave your comments below!

Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 19, 2017 at 12:38 PM

    I read it as a parallel to the beginning scene of the story, where Robert dies from flying off of the building. Both Robert and Milkman face their death and embrace it, with the theme of flying being prevalent in both scenes. However, Milkman distinguishes his actions because he jumps at a time of revelation and enlightenment, rather than desperation (as with Robert Smith). Also, Milkman's jump is purely individualistic, as only him and Guitar are present, and Robert Smith's jump draws a large crowd. I think there may be more to the comparison, but Morrison's description of Robert is relatively lacking.

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  2. Tim ChoDecember 20, 2017 at 7:49 AM

    Like Robert says, I agree that the final scene is a parallel with the beginning of the story. I think you make valid points about how the final scene can be construed as a suicide. At the same time, Milkman does have a moment of enlightenment right before he jumps, so I think that even if he is committing suicide, he has still won his conflict with himself with his greater understanding of his life's purpose.

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  3. AlbertDecember 20, 2017 at 7:50 AM

    I agree with Tim agreeing with Robert. It seems as though the final scene is bringing the story back full-circle. Morrison used this as a technique to refer back to the beginning of the book. This makes the reader think back to the beginning of the book and compare Milkman then and now. It's evident that he had changed, but there are many ways that he is still the same. It would be an interesting comparison to make.

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  4. UnknownDecember 20, 2017 at 10:43 AM

    This last section was also an interesting way to wrap up the entire course, it not only brought the book full circle but also bridged other plotlines that we have encountered. There were similar simultaneous and in the moment deaths that we have read that made the interpretation for milkmans final scene even more powerful. I think that your debate on the interpretation is very interesting!

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  5. Aidan GarrettDecember 20, 2017 at 2:31 PM

    I think that the idea that this final scene is actually Milkman being suicidal is totally possible and is how I read that part. Like you said the taunting seems like a very suicidal thing to do when someone has a gun. Also I read the last line as Milkman accepting his fate, whatever it was, after Guitar had chased him all this way to kill him.

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  6. Dante FreundDecember 20, 2017 at 10:37 PM

    I really wanted Milkman to survive at the end of the novel and take on the role in their myth that Pilate left open. Practically thinking I do have to agree with most of the other commenters and say that Milkman most likely died.

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  7. ajDecember 21, 2017 at 8:16 AM

    I agree with everyone else that Milkman probably died at the end.I agree with Dante. Adding on to that, I thought that towards the end of the novel Milkman grew a lot. It would have been nice if he ended up surviving.

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  8. Matthew JinDecember 21, 2017 at 11:57 AM

    I agree with Albert agreeing with Tim agreeing with Robert. The story ends where it all began. Finally, Milkman is able to understand the true purpose of life. I think Milkman knew what he was getting into when he jumped. Like Arjun, I also wanted him to survive.

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