Milkman's 'Alone This Holiday'

Chapter 4: “Alone This Holiday” – The Used In chapter 4, Milkman comes to the realization that he treats Hagar like a “third beer”. He enjoys the sexual relationship that he has with her, but only partakes in her because she is conveniently there, not because Milkman actually has feelings for Hagar or has he desire to pursue her. Milkman looks for a way to break off their relationship because he has never considered Hagar as a girlfriend or potential wife to him, and would rather pursue someone of higher social class and wealth. Milkman decides to write a breakup letter to Hagar, coldly thanking her, and also includes money, as if to buy out of the relationship. The letter causes Hagar to go mad, and she rushes out trying to find Milkman.

By telling his ex to “feel alone” and by also telling her to “throw he thought of us away”, the singer of the song is seen as cold and harsh in dealing with his breakup, similar to Milkman’s breakup to Hagar in Song of Solomon. After the decades of being with Hagar, Milkman ends the relationship by breaking up with a letter. Both the singer and Milkman are ending a relationship and telling the other that “you'll be alone this