like evilö (Hurston 1978, 17). The process of naming dilutes identity is HurstonÆs point. Baker (1987) underscores the significant of naming and reports that Janie is ôknown to her childhood cohorts as æalphabetÆ because she has been given so many ædifferent namesÆö (37). She has been marginalized within American culture because she does not have a single, definitive name that embodies within her all the possibility of naming. The only method Janie has of shaping a positive and expressive identity is to divide herself into distinct public and private personas, a further dilution of identity.Baker, H. A. (1987). Ideology and narrative form. In Modern Critical Interpretations: Zora Neale HurstonÆs Their Eyes Were Watching God. New York, NY: Chelsea House, 35-39. Hurston (1978) alludes to this split persona when she ultimately identifies Janie as follows: ôShe had an inside and an outside now and suddenly she knew how not to mix themö (68). It is JanieÆs realization that her grandmotherÆs best intentions have contributed to her divided self. Acquiring her own name necessitates the rejection of protection and security which Nanny Logan and Jody all s |
