More Than Just a Name?

It crossed my mind today during class and then while reading this evening, what, if any, is the significance of the names in gun with occasional music. It seems in this novel, as compared to the other works we have studied, that the names may have some significant meaning. I realize that this notion is born out of the fact that the names thought the novel thus far have been quite, abstract, or “wacky.” Leading up to this Lethem, none of the other works have had names that were so out there that they made me think that they alone might actually hold some meaning. Outside of maybe the Pin in “Brick,” as the leader of the drug cartel, or maybe even General Sternwood in The Big Sleep, where the general could represent some implied dignity, honor, authority, and maybe even his wealth. Outside of these examples, I don’t feel that any of these works have had names like Testafer, Pansy, Teleprompter, Morganlander, Kornfled, etc… Every time I here these names, I want to think that they each stand for something bigger than just a name. Teleprompter, that has to represent something, Lethem couldn’t have just thought it would be fun to throw in a few names that sound a little different and potentially stand for something other than a person.

There is once again, the potential that I am digging too far into the wrong direction, but in the chance that Lethem did this on purpose, I would really like to know why. Are these names intended for us to understand each character a little better without getting to know them all that well? Maybe this then would help us to better understand the overall story/ plot. Also, does this add another dimension to the detective genre, a creative one, one that really takes the genre to that true art level? Does creativity like this even lead to or mean art?

Either way, for now, I am convinced that the names in Lethem’s novel have some significant meaning. Again I will wait and see if I keep the ball in the park.

-Brad