speak louder

We use names simply as a way to organize and differentiate people. However, in Two Words by Isabel Allende, names symbolize more than individuality and instead represent power, strength, and courage. Allende uses names to convey a message and even in the first sentence she shows us an example, "She went by the name of Belisa Crepusculario, not because she had been baptized with that name or given it by her mother, but because she herself had searched until she found the poetry of 'beauty' and 'twilight' and cloaked herself in it." The imagery of poetry, beauty and twilight in this passage presents Belisa Crepusculario as magical, independent and most strongly illustrates the importance of Belisa Crepusculario as a person.
The diction and imagery used leaves the audience a little awestruck and in wonder of who is this women and what is her story. It sets the mood by creating admiration in the reader toward Belisa Crepusculario because of her ability to find and create a name for herself.
As the story moves on, we are introduced to another character who goes by the name of El Mulato. Right from the start the reader is again shown the effect of someones name on others, “They were the colonel’s men, sent under orders of El Mulato, a giant known throughout the land for the speed of his knife and his loyalty to his chief. (239)” Once more the imagery and diction used helps to assist and convey the significance of a name. The imagery allows us to acknowledge the name El Mulato is feared and associated with violence, pain and even death. The message expressed through the symbolism of El Mulato’s name is similar to that expressed through Belisa Crepusculario’s name. And even though the language used to describe the names are as different and unique as the individuals, the audience is aware of the influence they have. as Two Words progresses and the symbolism of names continues, the focus of one's name is no longer on what is the reason and meaning of the name and