Praxis, meaning turning-point, culmination, action; orgasm; some said the Goddess herself.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: When Praxis is born to Lucy and Benjamin, Benjamin insists upon giving her a Greek name, one he hopes will be as dead and lost as the culture from which it originates. His determination to name her as such illustrates the shame he associates with having a child outside of wedlock, and with a woman the neighborhood calls Loony Lucy. Despite Benjamin's attempts to drain both Praxis's name and identity of purpose and resonance, the meaning of her name is complex and multi-faceted. Indeed, this line defining her name illuminates Praxis's complex nature, and even foreshadows the evolution of her life over the years to come.

Heartless, soulless, mindless—free!
-- Narrator (chapter 2)

Importance: After one of the New Women steps on Praxis's toe on the bus, she goes home and rages on paper about her disdain for such women. However, her frustration...