Ignorance and Bliss
At the end of the novel, Hickman recounts how Bliss came to live with him, detailing a tragic story of accusations and abandonment. Hickman tells us that he named his adoptive son Bliss, "because they say that's what ignorance is." This is symbolic, as Bliss experiences a lot of ignorance about his past and upbringing as he grows older and arguably becomes an ignorant adult.
The birth of Bliss
Hickman reveals at the end of the novel that Bliss' real mother accused his brother Robert Hickman of rape. As a result, Hickman's brother was lynched, which affected the pastor terribly. However, with the birth of Bliss, Hickman had a feeling of compassion towards the child and afterward transformed his life for the better. We can argue that the birth of Bliss represented a rebirth for Hickman, who then became a successful preacher.
The Black Car
At the end of the novel, it is suggested that the senator dies. We are told about how Bliss became a racist senator, turning against the people who showed him kindness and compassion. His death is represented by a large black car full of black men, which drives towards the senator. Although the senator has been unkind and cruel towards them, they nonetheless pick him up and take him to the afterlife.
