Can’t Quit You, Baby
description
Transcript of Can’t Quit You, Baby
Ellen DouglasCan’t Quit You, Baby
In Can’t Quit You, Baby, Ellen Douglas presents the character names as significant to both family and world history.
“Both these women have ancient names indicative of someone’s interest, in the past of both families, in Roman history. Not uncommon in the nineteenth century South” (6).
What’s in a Name?
Family history insinuates a connection to “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt◦ Cornelius Vanderbilt III- WWII general◦ Cornelius Vanderbilt IV- WWI private; WWII
majorThe gens, or family name, Cornelia was one of the most powerful dynasties in Roman history, producing many important statesmen as far back as 485 BC.
Cornelia
Character Julia is named after her father Julius.
The gens Julia is an equally ancient and powerful family of Roman leaders.◦ Julius Caesar is family’s most famous member.
Julia
Served as United States Representative, Senator, Secretary of the Interior, and Justice of the Supreme Court
September 17, 1825 – January 23, 1893
Named after his father, who was an iconic Georgian lawyer
Lamar I was named for the consul and dictator of ancient Rome
Lucius Quintus Cincinatus Lamar II
The given name of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali
Named after his father, who was a painter and musician
Cassius Marcellus Clay was a Kentucky emancipationist
Both Cassius and Marcellus are names of Roman families
Cassius Marcellus Clay
“And O’Kelley? Brooklyn? Irish Channel? Shanty boat Irish! Is what Mrs. Wright heard in that vanishing oi. Probably Catholic, she thought, with an inward shudder” (79).
John O’Kelly
Cassius Clay – Muhammad Ali◦ Ali vs Terrel
Julia – Tweet
Philip- Nig
“What’s my name”