Blackness
The narrator figuratively uses blackness in the memoir to symbolize self-denial. The protagonist does not want to use the word 'black' in full in the entire memoir because he fears that readers might find his memoir unattractive. Therefore, the readers realize that Johnson suffers from self-denial and failure to appreciate his work.
Nanny as a symbol of love
Johnson recounts his childhood experiences and remembers that the most important person in his entire life is his grandmother he references as a 'nanny.' Despite growing up in difficult circumstances, Johnson was loved and well catered for his grandmother. Similarly, Johnson reminds readers that he was treated with compassion by close family members. Love played a significant role in helping him accept his gender identity in the long run.
