What represses the Deads is the father, Macon: his single-minded ambition, his unscrupulous greed, his materialism, and his lack of nurturing his family. Macon does not concentrate on being a loving and nurturing father; instead he concentrates on another aspect of paternity, the acquisition of property. Macon aspires to own property and other people too. His words to his son, "Let me tell you right now the one important thing that you'll ever need to know: Own things. And let the things you own own other things too. Then you'll own yourself and other people too". The owning of things as well as other people is a rather remarkable statement, coming from a descendant of slaves. Macon has not inherited this trait from h

When Milkman lives at home in Michigan, he perceives the world in the same materialistic terms that are similar to his father's. In the second part of the novel, his search for gold leads him to Virginia. This is an indication that he wants to escape from his past and achieve a sense of identity only by finding material treasure. He assumes that his trip south holds the key to his liberation. But it is not the gold that saves him. Milkman's mental development rests partly on his understanding of the ways in which his life is connected to others' experiences, and partly on establishing an intimate connection with the land and life of his ancestors. These understandings lead to his greater achievement of learning to complete, understand, and sing the song that contains the history of his family.

The Fisher King is a movie that questions the value of material possessions in many circumstances. Jack, a famous radio talk-show host, indulges in his fame and fortune. He is a character similar to that of Howard Stern, brash and rude to the point where some of his callers are hurt emotionally. Jack doesn't expect his listeners to take what he says to heart, but a man who received advice from him was involved in a murder.

Pilate Dead, Macon's younger sister, is a marked contrast to her brother and his family. Macon has a love of property and money, and this determines the nature of his relationships with others. Pilate has a sheer disregard for status, occupation, hygiene, and manners, and has the capability to respect, love, and trust. Her self-sufficiency and isolation prevent her from being trapped or destroyed by the decaying values that threaten her brother's life.

is father, even though he mistakenly thinks so. His father had owned things that "grew" other things, not "owned" other things.

The novel builds on contradictions of material pursuit and selflessness. Macon desires the money, the power, and the luxuries, much as does Jack. They

Some common words found in the essay are:
Holy Grail, Aunt Pilate, Song Solomon, Howard Stern, Initially Milkman's, Dead Macon's, Perry Perry, Fisher King, Macon Dead, No-Mercy Hospital, material possessions, milkman's treatment, concerned image, family macon, father macon, macon dead, you'll own, love happiness,
Approximate Word count = 1329
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)