The two mother figures in Wide Sargasso Sea hold similarities and differences that add dimension Milkman’s character as well as providing insight into the demeanors of their daughters, who react to Milkman in nearly opposite ways.
Milkman’s mother is presented first in the novel as a frail, battered woman who is desperate for affection. We see her breastfeeding Milkman far after the age that is seen as socially acceptable in a pathetic attempt at connecting with her son. From the beginning we see that her purpose is defined by Milkman and his wellbeing.
Her image is frequently tarnished by comments on her prominent sexuality and sexual desire. Her interesting and incredibly vague moment with her dead father and the implications of her relationship with her father before his death gave Macon Jr an incredibly negative opinion of her. Later in milkman’s life, he would pursue a relationship with his cousin, but this relationship would not be as unwelcome as Ruth’s.
Perhaps one of the more interesting aspects of Ruth’s impact on her children is on Lena. Ruth’s whole life once Milkman is born is to tend to him. She ensures that Lena and First Corinthians tend to him too. Once Milkman begins to seriously abuse his privilege we see Lena lash out at him viciously as not only a way to put Milkman back in his place, but as a sort of defiance of her mother.
Her mother’s overprotective behavior elicits aggression just as Pilate’s indifference elicits obsession.
This “role switching” is prevalent in Hagar’s pursuit of Milkman as well. Pilate understands that men in general are going to be unwieldy and difficult. We see her skillfully handle Reba’s boyfriend, however it shows how much she has had to deal with situations like that because of how clean the encounter was. Though Pilate is a caring and protective figure for Milkman, Pilate’s priorities are with her daughters.
Hagar’s obsession with Milkman defies Pilate’s indifference and potentially drives Hagar further into madness as she knows she is going too far but can’t help it.
It’s interesting how much all of the characters affect each other in this novel and I wonder what other connections we may be missing, but it was especially interesting to me to see these two demeanors take opposites. It’s a lot like the common trope in TV and movies where the teenager is trying as hard as they can to not be like their parents.
