Title: The Names
Author: Don DeLillo
Publish Date: 1982
Genre: Fiction
Page Length: Approximately 340 pages (may vary)
Summary:
Infobox:
Author: Don DeLillo
Title: The Names
Publish Date: 1982
Genre: Fiction
Page Length: Approximately 340 pages (may vary)
The Names, written by Don DeLillo and published in 1982, is a thought-provoking work of fiction that traverses several locations around the world, delving into the mysteries of language, identity, and the impact of globalization. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and underlying themes, The Names captures the attention of readers as they immerse themselves in its pages.
Set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the novel follows James Axton, an American employee of the mysterious and powerful investment firm, Οίκος (Oikos), which focuses on international business and finance. The story begins in Greece, where Axton encounters a series of murders related to a clandestine cult-like group called “The Names.” This enigmatic group is fixated on the significance and power of names, observing linguistic systems with religious overtones.
As the narrative progresses, Axton becomes engrossed in unraveling the origins of these murders and the motivation behind them. Along the way, he encounters Kathryn, his estranged wife, and their son, Tap. Together, they face the challenges of a crumbling marriage and the strain of their son’s increasing immersion in the subculture of language.
The Names presents a rich tapestry of characters, each grappling with their own existential crises. James Axton, the protagonist, is a complex figure torn between his involvement with Οίκος and his pursuit of answers regarding The Names. Kathryn, his former wife, embodies a sense of detachment and yearning for independence. Tap, their son, stands as a symbol of generational disconnection, finding solace and purpose within the intellectual escape afforded by language.
Divided into sections, the novel takes readers on a journey that spans Greece, India, and parts of the Middle East, exploring the merging of cultures, the rampant expansion of multinational corporations, and the profound influence of language on individuals and society. With DeLillo’s distinctive prose, readers witness the juxtaposition of ancient cultures against the fast-paced modern world, raising questions about the uncertain nature of identity and the erosion of traditions.
The Names delves into a multitude of themes, the most apparent being the power of language. DeLillo scrutinizes the role of language as a means of control, communication, and ultimate expression of human existence. The narrative emphasizes how language both shapes and fragments our perception of reality, creating a dichotomy between its capability for connection and its potential for manipulation.
Furthermore, the novel explores the impact of globalization, the dominance of capitalism, and the subsequent erosion of individual identity. Axton’s affiliation with Οίκος, a global entity driven by profit, highlights the dehumanization and relentless pursuit of wealth intrinsic to many multinational corporations. Through this lens, DeLillo critiques the disintegration of cultural heritage and the loss of individual agency in the face of unchecked globalization.
In summary, The Names navigates a complex web of murder, corporate power, and the intrinsic relationship between individuals and language. Don DeLillo’s compelling narrative draws readers into a world where ancient cultures collide with modernity and raises important questions about the way we communicate, the erosion of identity under globalization, and the pursuit of knowledge in a continuously evolving world. By challenging readers to examine the role of language and societal influences in their lives, The Names provokes thought and contemplation long after the final page is turned.