parrots-not-in-london-anymore:

Identity

I just realised that the revolutionary triumvirate of my heart, John Silver, Madi Scott and James Flint, all have names that are not their “real names”…

John we all know ain’t no John or Silver.

James ain’t no Flint.

And Scott is very unlikely to be Madi’s real surname as, after emancipation, many slaves adopted English surnames or kept the ones given to them to facilitate integration and recognition in the face of the law.

These name changes all have distinct meanings and purposes. They are ostensibly used to conceal the character’s true nature but at the same time something to be used and brandished as a projection of themselves in a world that has shunned and punished their true nature. It’s not who they are but what they were forced to become. Their avatar.

And still, it represents a part of themselves they are reluctant to accept and have decided to compartmentalize. James’ rage and loss of control, Long John Silver’s cruelty, Madi’s complicated history with Eleanor and her begrudging study of the English and the empire in order to protect herself and her people from it.

It’s their mask and it’s their scapegoat.

And, once again, it’s all about IDENTITY.