What's in a name some would ask. many would reply with a definition formatted to best describe it. A noun, something used to distinguish it from other things. The discussion would even go as far as a world famous quote written by William Shakespeare in his classic play, Romeo and Juliet, which follows as..."'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot,Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!What's in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet;"
Well, according to the character Asana in Aminatta Forna's 2006 novel Ancestor Stones, it means the difference between the just and unjust. Being born as a twin, which pertaining to Achebe's Things Fall Apart would be considered an abomination and evil in all aspects, was actually accepted and thought of as great luck in Ancestor Stones. Yet Asana runs into the complete opposite of what being a twin is supposed to bring once her rights as a first born child (which clearly can't be reversed) was given away to her slightly younger brother, Alusani.
This section of the novel amazes me in the aspect of a family believing they can simply change the actual order of things as plan as birth. Given that the mother had some what of a just reasoning for doing so, considering she thought Alusani was going to die, but lying to yourself and everyone else saying that he is the first born is a little ridiculous to me. As far as terms between Asana and her brother go, that's NOT how you get things off to a good start. From that moment on her brother as been given the best of everything, while she is forced to accept sloppy seconds that were handed to her from scorning hands.
So, what's really in a name!? Clearly a lot more than what I, and I'm sure you as well would have imagined. I feel kind of sorry for Asana, to be placed in such a shadow while she shines without notice. Wow, and I thought my name was bad...oh well!
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