What’s in a Name?

What’s in a name? Do you ever wonder what’s behind the title of a book or a film? At a recent book reading, I was asked how I came up with the titles for my novels. It set me to thinking about titles of some of my favorite classic novels and films.

Classic Novels: To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – In the novel Miss Maudie explains, “Mockingbirds don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Tom Robinson’s song was his kindness, his hard work, and his dedication to his family. He is also innocent of the charges against him. Killing him was a grave sin by southern white society, as well as the so-called justice system. Robinson represents the mockingbird. Perfect title.

Classic Novels: The Color Purple

The Color Purple– by Alice Walker – “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.”

In that one line from this masterful novel, Alice Walker captured all the glory, the suffering, and God’s presence and constant protection. Celie and Nettie and Sofia and Shug had all been used, abused, and overlooked. God surely must’ve been pissed off at all the people who had refused to take note of their spectacular and diverse shades of purple. Perfect title.

So, what’s in a name?

What’s in a name? What was your favorite book or film title? And what do you think was its meaning?

Leave your comments, and check out my blog next week for more on the titles of books. Be sure to join the conversation on Facebook, too!