what's in a name?

names: What are important about them? Are they arbitrary? Is there a difference between using one's full name or using just the first?

consider the name for the typeface, Helvetica
-derived from Helvetsia, the original Latin name for Switzerland-

consider last names such as Thompson or Miller
-Thompson- originates from "tom's son"-
-Miller- profession as a miller-

We've been talking lots about the name Lucy in the novel Lucy, but let's pass on that for now.
(don't want to give away all my good ideas for the in class essay ;) )

Instead, let's consider the name of the novel, Power. Why did Linda Hogan give this particular book this particular name? Who is powerful? Well one could say that Ama is physically powerful for killing a panther. The storm is obviously powerful proved by it's destruction. But what about the less obvious forms of power?

consider the power of a name, Omishto

"Don't worry that they look at you, Omishto," my mother says.
It's the first time she's called me by my name. Maybe the first time in my life.
(Power 117)

As we read, Omishto means "the watcher". Ah, the power of observation! What one can see can say much more than a few sentences. Also, by calling her daughter Omishto, the mother gives her daughter a sense of power. She brings Omishto back to her roots before trial. She provides that small bit of support that Omishto needs to participate in such a fearful situation.

names are important because they are powerful