Hagar, for me, is a very interesting and intriguing character. Her actions and her motives behind those actions are what intrigue me most, but at the same time, I feel sorry for her, I respect her and I understand (at least some parts of) her.
Her love for Milkman is necessary, yet it eventually ruins her. When she finally gives into her love for him and allows him to freely achieve what he seeks, he loses interest and shuns her (just like Abraham shunned Hagar and Ishmael in the Bible). Because he shuns her, she desire and strives for his love even more deeply and passionately than before, and he keeps rejecting her, which is why I feel sorry for her. At the same time, I respect her for seeking revenge on Milkman, even though it was not neccessarily done in a very moral or respectful manner. But because she attempted to stand up to him, I respect her. The power that he holds over her and her love for him is why she never actually kills him and what prevents her from ever seriously wanting to kill him.
The reason that she cannot hurt Milkman is because she loves him, which I understand. Not that I ever dream of killing Nathan because he broke up with me in a letter (which hasn't happened. yet. {hahaha, just kidding}) but I understand the total unwillingness to put any harm whatsoever on the person you love.
Although Hagar seems rather crazy, her motives and actions are understandable. That, for me, is why she is so intriguing!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I think we are often draw to those who have a fierce passion for something. What do you think Morrison wants us to think about with Hagar? Now that you've finished.
Post a Comment