There are many instances where names and the significance of those names are discussed in the narrative. What is the importance of names as they tie into identity, culture, and assimilation? What does it mean for a character to change their name? Does your name have a specific meaning? Have you ever wanted to change it?
Someone’s name is their heritage, part of their identity. So it matters whether their name came from their family or whether it was imposed on them by strangers. It matters if, knowing or believing that is what happened, a person can choose a new name. It matters whether the larger society respects the naming practices, and the names, of the different cultures that make up that society. I think the author emphasized this throughout each generation to make the point that assimilation practices of renaming were intended to wipe out historical memory and identity for millions of native peoples, to take away their humanity and make them de facto slaves of white society. (And the same thing happened with Africans brought here as slaves.)
I agree with JLPen77; well said. In my white family many members were/are named after an ancestor. Mom’s maiden name is the middle name of my brother who in turn gave that middle name to his son who in turn gave his son that same maiden name as his first name! Four generations linked to a German ancestor.
I agree with both responses. Names do seem to follow generations although sometimes I think the original meaning for the name choice has been lost.
There is so much talk and reaction these days to stealing of identity - and it is mind boggling how such unconscionable stealing of identity was done on such a wide scale to the native Americans. It was like wrenching their very life essence from within them and then Remolding them into becoming a subordinate/slave.