Names carry great importance throughout the Neopolitan novels. Names are associated with power like Carracci and Solara; scandal like Sarratore; or even just plain mediocrity like Cerullo. On the other hand, the name Greco means little, the name of the porter. This changes when Lenù publishes her book. The following dialogue between Lenù and her mother demonstrates the importance of a name:
“One morning she asked, ‘What’s the name of your fiancé?’
She knew, but she had something in mind and to communicate it she wished to start there. ‘Pietro Airota.’
‘Yes.’
‘Then you’ll be called Airota.’
‘Yes.’
‘And if you write another book, on the cover will it say Airota?’
‘No.’
‘Why?’
‘Because I like Elena Greco.’
‘So do I,’ she said” (Ferrante, 469).
Lenù does something here, that most people in the neighborhood will never be able to do and that is give their name a new meaning. Lenù changes the name Greco from that of a porter to that of a writer. In doing so she simultaneously increases the power behind the name Greco. Her name printed on the cover of a book ties the name to higher education and success which holds a lot of power. It’s interesting to note Lenù’s confidence in answering her mother’s question as to whose name would appear on future covers because of Lenù’s inclination to self-doubt. She finally realizes that her excellence is what allows her to publish the book with her name rather than that of her fiancé. This is definitely a huge change in Lenù’s character. Lenù recognizes the importance her name holds and the potential power her name will attain through its place on the cover of a published book.
Jackie, I love the part of the book you chose to write your post on.
I also focused on names and how significant they are in the novel.
It’s really important to notice Lenu’s change of heart when she chooses that her own name will be printed on the books she publishes, and not her husband’s. From the moment she starts going out with him, the only thing that is repeated is that she will never accomplish as much as Pietro because of his reputation and his father’s legacy. It’s astonishing seeing Elena actually achieving the things she thought she couldn’t just because her name isn’t known, like her husband’s.
Elena breaks away, she makes a bridge with her book to another life, yet she will carry her name with her. As you say, Jacqui, she changes her name “from that of a porter to that of a writer.” She turns inside out the idea that you can’t change where you come from – why not, then, change the status of the name you come from.