The Names tells the story of Cora, who faces a dilemma over naming her newborn son while contending with her abusive husband, Gordon. Each name proposed—Bear, Julian, or Gordon—creates a distinct reality for Cora and her family. Cora secretly prefers the name Julian, but her daughter Maia advocates for Bear. Choosing different names leads to varying consequences, illustrating how naming impacts family dynamics. The narrative spans three decades, showing that a person's fate is shaped largely by the actions and character of those around them rather than the name itself, despite the story's structural challenges.
In the novel, Cora grapples with naming her son amidst an abusive relationship, noting that the syllables in her husband's name land with a downward thud.
Each name—Bear, Julian, and Gordon—opens different realities for Cora and her children, reflecting how names can shape life experiences and familial dynamics.
Cora eventually chooses the name Bear, resulting in her being punished by her husband, which highlights the perilous implications of naming stemming from personal choice.
Despite the narrative's complex structure, it emphasizes that a name's influence comes not from the name itself, but from the actions of those raising the child.
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