Book Study #2
In the novel the Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill there are several names that demonstrate a deeper meaning. Aminata, Chekura and Fomba are three examples. When I looked up the names of each character I realized that they had a deeper meaning then i had first expected. I began to realize Hill chose the names with specific reasoning.
Fomba is a weak man stolen from his village, taken from his family and traditions. Fomba means "no culture" which leads readers to understand why Hill picked the title of the poor elderly African. Fomba's identity was taken away, which makes sense due to the denotation of his name.
Aminata's name also carries a connection in the novel. Aminata is from African but is in the United States unvoluntarily. When in America Aminata's culture is also stolen because she is forced to refer herself as Meena. Meena means bold and strong willed which perfectly describes her personality. Meena is opinioned and mature for her age which explains Hill's decision in the label of his protagonist.
There is one name in the book that doesn't make sense whatsoever. Fanta means "beautiful day".The definition is far off from the truth. In the very beginning we see Fanta's standoff personality and as time progresses we see it worsen when Fanta murders her baby and one of a friend too.
Lawrence connects the name with characters such as Fomba and Aminata, whereas he doesn't with the name Fanta. I am unsure if Hill does the purposely or if it is just a coincedence.