Importance of The Name “Emelda”

The name “Emelda” symbolizes Getrude’s unsavory past and her willingness to sacrifice her identity to survive in her society. The white police officer believes that Getrude’s name is “Emelda” because that is the name she uses as a sex worker. Thus, the name is also a symbol of Getrude’s precarious circumstances and her determination to survive.