• Regardless of one’s culture and ethnicity, names are representative, names are indicative, and names are suggestive. Whether right or wrong, society interprets and perceives an individual in accordance with the way in which they are addressed, and often times the way in which one is addressed may evoke either positive or negative connotations. The significance of names is not only evident in reality but is often reflected in literature. Authors often intentionally select names for their characters in order to illustrate the significance a name can have on one’s life. In the novels, “Like Water for Chocolate” and “This Earth of Mankind”, names hold vested importance pertinent to character development as well as ultimately, the novel’s thematic furtherance.
    Although a very well educated individual and an exceptional writer, Minke, the protagonist in “This Earth of Mankind”, changes his name to Max Tollenaar in order to get his work both read and published. Because Minke is without a last name and thus unacknowledged by his father, society considers him second class. Minke’s name indicates someone of society deemed low social standing; and he therefore adopts a more socially accepting name, Max Tollenaar. In so doing, he demonstrates both comprehension and cooperation. He understands the world is more than subject to discrimination, segregation, and degradation, however, he accepts this undeniable fact and leaves behind his name in order to earn the social acceptance necessary to further progress in the world. In order for Minke to have a voice of his own, he leaves behind his identity and therefore accepts the fact that society is unfair. In so doing, he escapes an oppressive fate and instead finds himself treated fairly amongst society.
    In “Like Water for Chocolate”, names are significant as well and the importance of which directly affects and determines the characters role within the story. As the youngest daughter and a member of the De La Garza family, Esperanza is destined for a most unpleasant life. Traditionally and culturally, the youngest daughter of the family mustn’t marry, and must care for the mother during her old age. Esperanza, however, denies fate and marries Dr. Brown’s son, Alex. “How proud she felt to see Esperanza so self-confident, so intelligent, so perfectly prepared, so happy, so capable, and at the same time, so feminine and womanly, in the fullest sense of the word” (Pg. 240.) The preceding quote describes and explains the protagonist’s (Tita’s) feelings toward Esperanza once having accomplished everything she hadn’t. Due to family tradition, Tita was unable to marry her love, Pedro, and instead cared for her mother, Mama Elena. Although technically the main character, the author writes first of the underprivileged and misfortunate life of Tita in order to further enhance the significance of Esperanza’s both privileged and fortunate life. The distinction between the two characters emphasizes the importance of Esperanza’s self liberation and the discontinuance of the family tradition. The name Esperanza, as intended by the author, translates to “hope” and thus it is more than evident that it is in fact her name and character that provide her with what’s necessary to rise above destiny and forge a life anew. Furthermore, her discontinuing of the family tradition gave “hope” to future generations. The author uses her name to free those victimized by the family tradition and a life unfulfilled.
    Each of the novels are alike in the sense that names hold vested importance that would more times than not, be overlooked. Minke, because one may associate his name as one unacknowledged by their father and of low status, changes his name in order to publish his writing. Esperanza, because she was born into a family in which traditionally, the youngest daughter is to care for the mother and forgo personal happiness, found the strength within and rose above that which so many generations before her were unable to do and married her love, Alex. It would seem as though each author uses the characters and their names similarly; by abandoning his own name and essentially his own identity, Minke uncovers the emphasis society places on personal status, history, and education, and thus ultimately reveals the underlying message of the story: the determination of one’s place in society is not dependent upon their family name and what it may or may not divulge, however, ones character and what lies within determines how far one may go. Esperanza (hope) breaks free from the De La Garza family tradition and in so doing instills hope for future generations and thus ultimately uncovers the insight into the way in which women are restricted and oppressed by standards of societal propriety perpetuated by other women. In essence, the names Minke and Esperanza were used by the authors when unearthing the story’s thematic focus. Whether adopting a new name entirely or embracing a name whole heartedly, it does not necessarily define one; it can, however, affect one’s life and may in fact affect the lives of others.
    Furthermore, the following two examples provide additional evidence when proving that names do hold significance pertinent to character development and thematic furtherance. In “This Earth of Mankind”, a woman becomes a concubine against her will and as a result, society refers to her as Nyai (a native concubine of a Dutch or European man in the Indies). In spite of her disadvantage and most unfortunate of circumstances, Nyai works independently, is self sufficient and more than accustomed with the social graces and subtleties associated with the Dutch. However, in spite of all she has so surprisingly accomplished, Nyai refuses to be referred to as anything other than Nyai. “I’m sorry, miss, I’m not used to being called ma’am and indeed I’m not a Mrs. It’s not an appropriate way to refer to me, not my right. Call me Nyai as other people do, because that’s what I am, miss”. (Pg. 22 cool Nyai continues when explaining herself to Ms. Magda Peters; she states that because she is without a husband and yet has a master, it contradicts reality. Nyai has accepted her identity as Nyai and the connotations associated with that of a Nyai, however, she remains forever in protest against humanity and their scornful glares. Nyai has not only embraced her name and identity, but uses it as a form of empowerment. Little is expected of her as a lowly concubine and the connotations associated with her name are of lowly regard, accomplishing what many consider unattainable instills her with presumably, a sense of pride and joy. She is able to simply laugh at society because she knows that her identity as a Nyai has absolutely nothing to do with her character, potential, or worth as a person. Names are comparable to book titles; although they in many ways present a first impression and may or may not convince one to read the text within the binding, it is in fact what lies behind the title and what lies behind one’s name that determines the worth of both the book and the individual.
    In “Like Water for Chocolate”, Dr. John Brown finds himself in love with the protagonist, Tita, and once having consoled her during her moment of weakness, proposes marriage. Although Tita agrees and cares deeply for John, she returns his ring and chooses Pedro. “I can’t answer that, I don’t know. When you aren’t here, I think he is the one I love, but when I see you, everything changes. Near you I feel calm, settled, at peace….. But I don’t know……Forgive me for telling you all this”. (Pg. 223) The preceding quote in many ways reveals Tita’s true feelings; she knows John is the most logical choice; however, her heart belongs to Pedro. Consistent with John’s name, he is simply commonplace, conventional, and above all else lacks the necessary passion Tita finds so alluring. The author uses John Brown’s name and builds a character around it consistent with the way in which one may assume a John Brown may behave. Even though he proposes a life of stability, he lacks the excitement a more flavorful Pedro has to offer.
    Because of the connotations associated with the names Nyai and John Brown, each character and their role within their individual story is affected greatly. Nyai, although well educated, well mannered, and well adapted, keeps her name and accepts what one may associate with the name Nyai. In “Like Water for Chocolate” the author uses John Brown’s name to construct a character considered by most, normal, standard, and unremarkable. The name John Brown in itself is very average and therefore one may assume his personality is average as well. In each book, the characters and their names act as tools for the author when further developing storyline.
    It has become most evident that names certainly hold vested importance when referring to literature and particularly the novels at hand. In “This Earth of Mankind”, the author’s usage of names ultimately uncovers the central message that, it is truly one’s character and not societal standing that determines one’s worth. Comparatively, the authors usage of names in “Like Water for Chocolate” uncovers the life of one constricted by the standards of societal accord. Both novels illustrate that names can in fact further develop characters as well as theme.