My first name, Victor, originates from Latin. It means victor, or conqueror. Its quite a universal name, and is pronounced very similarly in most languages, despite some languages spelling it differently (Viktor). Culturally, it seems to me like the name is more common in 'Latin' countries (France, Italy, Spain, etc.) or Eastern European countries (like Russia), in the form of Viktor, but this is my own personal observation, so it might not be necessarily true. As to how it affects my identity, I don't think it affects it very much. I'm not singled out or anything because of my name (I guess its quite international due to the Latin origin) like the author of that text we read about names in class was. I don't see myself as a conqueror, like my name suggests, but then again, who is a conqueror these days? However, I really dislike losing (who doesn't?), so that has to count for something, right? I guess the international nature of the name could be said to represent my life, due to me being an international as well. My last name, Mauring, is actually a completely made up name and does not seem to have a meaning. The reason this name came to be, was because my great-great grandfather happened to have the exact same name as some criminal. So he decided to change his name. I don't know what inspired him to change it to 'Mauring' though, as it is a made up name, and quite 'unique' I guess. I can't think of a way in which my last name has really affected my identity or life, no one has really questioned it to me. I would like to find out someday why he chose this particular name though.
Shakespeare develops the theme of power in the play, mainly with the characters of Coriolanus, Volumnia, Aufidius, Menenius, and the Tribunes as representative of different forms of power. The titular character, Coriolanus, is a man from an older form of power, the absolute kind, where rulers did not have to answer to the commoners. He approaches politics the same way he approaches military matters: speaks his mind/heart (i.e. insulting the commoners, but it’s what he genuinely thinks of them), being true to himself, and insulting those he regards as enemies or against Rome (in battle this is the Volsces, but he believes that giving the plebeians a voice is a bad idea). In military, he is successful, because military power is absolute, obey or die type of deal, at least in that time; however, politics requires a surgical approach, and careful consideration of what to say, which the other characters mentioned can do better. Menenius acts as a foil to Coriolanus’ skills, because while h...
Nice post Victor! It is very interesting to know how your name + Family name have developed. and I never knew one could change a family name.
ReplyDeleteInteresting blog post, I like the diversity of your name, although is there any historic significance to it?, I find it somewhat unique to have a last name that has no meaning as you can perhaps craft your on definition that explains it.
ReplyDelete