MIddlesex+(148-165)

Definitions: Fard-While his true identity is unknown, Wallace Fard Muhammad is the founder of the Nation of Islam, establishing their first mosque in Detroit in 1930. He ministered there for three years before disappearing in June of 1934. His successor was Elijah Muhammad. []

Nicephore Niepce was born Joseph Niepce in March of 1765. He was a French inventor most noted for being a pioneer in the field of photography. He also developed the internal combustible engine with his brother Claude for which he received a patent from Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in July of 1807. []

Identity Prompt I don't think that race, gender, nationality or profession necessarily determine one's identity. To me, somebody's identity is somebody's opinions, values and beliefs. It is somebody's sense of self. While a person's actions, words, choice of friends and preferences in music may reflect a person's identity, these things do not define him or her as a person. I, personally have never tried to reinvent myself so I can't really relate to or speak to the last two questions. While my identity has certainly changed and developed over the years, I have never tried to reinvent myself or my identity.

4. "The Silk Room: a description is in order. (So much happened in that fifteen-by-twenty-foot space: God spoke; my grandmother renounced her race; creation was explained; and that's just for starters)" (151).

"Outside, the Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization Class installed silkworm trays. They worked in silence, daydreaming of various things. Ruby James was thinking about how handsome John 2X had looked that morning, and wondered if they would get married someday. Darlene Wood was beginning to get miffed because all the brothers had gotten rid of their slace names but Minister Fard hadn't gotten around to the girls yet, so here she was, still Darlene Wood. Lily Hale was thinking almost entirely about the spit curl hairdo she had hidden up under her headscarf and how tonight she was going to stick her head out her bedroom window, pretending to check the weather, so that Lubbock T. Hass next door could see. Betty Smith was thinking, //Praise Allah Praise Allah Praise Allah//, Millie Little wanted gum." (155).

While Cal now identifies with the male sex, some of his former femininity becomes apparent through his language in some parts of the novel. The first quotation seems highly emotional as if spoken by a woman and the second relates a topic that a man would generally never discuss. A man couldn't care less what the Muslim girls were thinking, yet Cal takes the time to share their private thoughts, thoughts stereotypical of the feminine mind.