The novel Song of Solomon has several recurring themes,
             including that of sexuality. Morrison effectively
             demonstrates these sexual themes relating to both sexes.
             Unlike in her other novels, both the men and women are
             "searching for love, for valid sexual encounters, and above
             all, for a sense that they are worthy."(Bakerman 318) While
             Song of Solomon gives men a more prominent place, Morrison
             also shows the desires of women to break away from
             established society and to create an individualistic life.
             Pilate is one of the most apparent characters in her
             journey to explore her sexuality and womanhood. She is
             portrayed by Morrison as a strong and a somewhat rebellious
             woman. She establishes something extraordinary during that
             time, economic independence. In the process "she rejects the
             traditional image of woman by cutting off her hair...and
             wearing clothes functional to her way of life."(Mickelson
             316) Even though this is all true, Morrison never lets us
             forget that Pilate is a woman planted in the reality of
             black society. Ruth also yearns to escape the shackles that
             hold her down as a married woman. In the opening scenes of
             the novel, Ruth shows us her trivial concerns dealing with a
             stain on the table. Ruth "... talked endlessly to her
             daughters and her guests about how to get rid of it - what
             might hide this single flaw on the splendid wood...She had
             tried them all." (Morrison 11) As insignificant as they
             were, these were Ruth's concerns. Yet the stain has a deeper
             meaning symbolizing the scar that Ruth has, but fervently
             attempts to cover up, from her married life. We learn that
             Her husband never loved her and they haven't been intimate
             in years. "When Ruth was naked and lying there as moist and
             crumbly as unbleached sugar, he bent to unlace her shoes.
             That was the final delight, for once he had undressed her
             feet, had peel...