The Great Turkey Walk

The motif of labels and symbolic names is central to the novel’s exploration of identity. Throughout the story, characters struggle against the limiting and often cruel labels imposed on them by society. The narrative begins with Simon being branded with the epithet “pea-brained,” a label that dismisses his worth and potential. This is reinforced by the taunts of his former classmates, who call him “Simple Simon, the turkey boy” (18). Simon’s entire journey is an act of defiance against these names. By transforming his supposedly foolish enterprise into a resounding success, he redefines the label “turkey boy” from a mocking insult into a title of entrepreneurial triumph. He proves that his true identity is not something assigned by others but something forged through his own integrity, courage, and action.

Unlike the inaccurate labels given by others, the actual names of central characters symbolically convey more accurate truths about them. This is done through allusion to Biblical figures. Samson’s name is a reference to an Israelite judge famed for his body’s strength and his spirit’s weakness. This conveys an important truth about Simon’s father: He may have a strong body, but he does not have inner strength like Simon does.

Jabeth’s name is derived from Japheth, one of Noah’s sons. In the Bible, Noah has three sons. After the great flood, these sons and their wives repopulate the Earth. Japheth’s descendants become the peoples of Europe and Asia, while another son, Ham, has descendants who become the peoples of Africa and the Levant. Ham shows disrespect toward Noah, and he and his lineage are cursed; this was, in the time when The Great Turkey Walk takes place, used as an excuse for the enslavement of African peoples. Naming a freedom seeker “Jabeth” instead of “Ham” suggests that he has every right to the same freedoms as the descendants of European peoples because he is equal to them in every way.

Another example of Biblical names that reveal important truths is Simon’s name. There are several “Simons” in the Bible. The biblical Simon most likely referred to is Simon Peter, one of Christ’s apostles who is so dependable and faithful that Christ considers him to be “the rock” upon which Christ’s whole church is founded. The found family at the center of the novel and the home they eventually create in Denver are both founded on Simon’s sturdy, loving spirit.