While Song of Solomon mainly details the struggle of the northern African-American community, it also narrates the struggle of women through Ruth Dead and Pilate. These two women are in nearly identical situations, where they must struggle to support both themselves and their families. Ironically, Pilate, an independent and resourceful woman who casts off her lover in favor of a strong family, comes out ahead of Ruth, who stays with her husband even after he kills her father. Morrison uses this contrast to provide insight into the fact that men are not the source of a woman’s power. Despite how little this fact may be recognized in society, it is ultimately up to the woman to look into herself for strength. Pilate is a perfect example of this fact, and this is made even more evident by the contrast Ruth provides in her pitiful existence under Macon Jr. Ruth (clearly) cannot separate herself from her husband no matter what the circumstances; she is so pathetic because she has come to rely on him to such an extreme degree. Pilate, on the other hand, seems to live an overall happy life with respect from her peers. “They knew right away that the man was a newcomer to the city. Otherwise he would have known…not to fool with anything that belonged to Pilate, who never bothered anybody, was helpful to everybody, but who also was believed to have the power to step out of her skin, set a bush afire from fifty yards, and turn a man into a ripe rutabaga.” Pilate is independent, self-reliant, and the stronger woman.