How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Huh, Dilsey said. Name aint going to help him. Hurt him, neither. Folks don’t have no luck, changing names. My name been Dilsey since fore I could remember and it be Dilsey when they’s long forgot me. (1.771)
Dilsey’s sure of her sense of self – something which most of the other members of the Compson family couldn’t ever say. Perhaps this is why she’s so critical of Mrs. Compson’s decision to change Benjy’s name. As her comment implies, words (like names) are only important in that they signify something real. Benjy’s the same person whether he’s called Maury or Benjy. Changing his name, therefore, is a futile attempt to change him.
Quote #5
"Candace." Mother said. "I told you not to call him that. It was bad enough when your father insisted on calling you by that silly nickname, and I will not have him called by one. Nicknames are vulgar. Only common people use them. Benjamin." she said. (1.843)
Mrs. Compson’s sense of right and wrong depend entirely on her views of what "good" people and "common" people do. This leads her to some absurd measures – like refusing to recognize nicknames. We’ve got to be honest – we admire her persistence. Too bad she’s usually pretty silly.