The American :: essays research papers

A literary technique that authors much times employ is giving to the characters a name to enhance the commentators understanding of that character. In The Ameri plunder, Henry James uses this style with to the highest degree of his characters names. Often times, the names may translate into an English word, or it could yet good sound like an English word. The novel is better soundless because of this and the commentator fundament get more meaning out of individually character and his or her reputation traits. In whichever way James chooses to exhibit names, they intensify the readers comprehension. The main character, Christopher Newman, is a prime typeface of Henry James use of this method. He is named after Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America, as he says early in the novel, "Did you ever hear of Christopher Columbus?my parents named me for him." (6). This is just relating him ever more to America and distinguishing him from a European. His last name "Newman" is really symbolic. He has traveled to Europe and Paris to basically become a "new man." He has given up his previous life of task and hard work, and is determined to live carefree and abroad. Newman changes day by day, and the reader follows along with these changes. The name Claire de Cintré as well as enhances the readers knowledge of her as a person. "Claire" in French means "light" and "Cintré" often can be translated as "crazy" or "insane." Claire is a light in many ways. She always wears white clothing, which can be very glaring and seems to almost emit a glow when she is in a mode. Her personality is also very lightening. She is well liked among everyone the reader is introduced to and always seems to get in the attention of people when she is in the room. Newman says, "if you are going into a room with Madame de Cintré, you neednt be afraid of being noticed yourself" (139). Cla ire also can be seen by the reader to be a bit "crazy." She puts on a grand façade to those around her, but she can be different. She seems to be very depressed behind the happy face that she puts on. cypher will really speak of why her previous marriage was such a disaster, and this may be the cause of her depression. The reader can also assume that living with a mother and brother as the marchioness de Bellegarde and Urbain could drive any sane person a bit mad.