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”