Question

Based on the historical setting, why does Paul have two different names? Paul is close with Cassie and his mother, so they enjoy having a nickname for him. Paul’s father and his wife have reserved the name Edward for one of their white sons. Paul’s father believes the name Edward is more dignified, and he calls Paul by that name in public. Paul’s relationship with his white father and their shared name is not acceptable to society.

Answer 1

Answer:

Paul’s relationship with his white father and their shared name is not acceptable to society.

Explanation:

Mildred D Taylor's novel "The Land," tells the life story Paul-Edward, the son of a white plantation owner and his black mistress. The story follows the young Paul and his life struggles to come to terms with his biracial identity.

As given in the excerpt from the text, we see Paul narrating how he came to be named Paul-Edward. He points out how his father would call him by his name "Paul-Edward" but only when they are alone for he believes that calling/ giving his name to a biracial/illegitimate child "wouldn't be fitting". So, calling him by their shared name openly in the white-dominated society, amidst the slavery issue, will not be acceptable to the society.

Thus, the correct answer is the fourth/last option.