The Enchantress Of Florence

Names and titles are an important motif in the novel. Throughout The Enchantress of Florence, characters switch between names and identities. Qara Koz is Angelica, as well as Lady Black Eyes and the eponymous enchantress. Each name presents a slightly different version of herself to the world. Similarly, Argalia leaves Florence with an Italian name, only to be renamed after being integrated into the Ottoman Empire and passing over cultural boundaries. He loses his attachment to his original name and identity; the new names, the new titles, and the new public persona blend together to create a whole new version of Argalia that seems unfamiliar to his old Italian friends. The numerous names symbolize the speed at which identities can change. The frequency with which names change is an indication of the elusive nature of truth and identity. No one truly knows Qara Koz and few people will ever understand what Argalia has experienced, but they can understand the way in which these changes manifest when someone adopts a new name or has one thrust upon them.

Titles are also an important symbol of power in the novel. The royal titles are the most explicit example of this: Akbar is the subject of longwinded, extravagant traditions which list his many titles whenever he is present at court so as to remind the audience of the importance of the emperor. Akbar expands his titles in a symbolic expansion of his kingdom, bringing new fortunes and new celebrity to the figure upon whom the titles are conferred. Other titles are given out to less fortunate characters. When she first arrives in the Italian city, Angelica is named the Enchantress of Florence. This title is meant as praise; first, it symbolizes the way in which her beauty has captivated the Florentines, then it symbolizes the almost enchanting way in which her presence seems to dictate the fortunes of the city. This conference of symbolic power is fluid. As quickly as she is titled “enchantress,” Angelica is titled “witch.” The change in title is a symbolic expression of the change in public perception. Akbar’s self-driven expansion of titles symbolizes his power, while Angelica’s lack of agency regarding her own titles symbolizes her own lack of power.

Names can also symbolize a secret power. When Mogor first arrives in India, he keeps his identity a secret. He is referred to by titles or pseudonyms. He will only tell his true name to the emperor, as the name will link him to the family in a potentially treasonous manner. Even after hearing the name “Niccolo Vespucci,” however, Akbar continues to refer to his companion by the name “Mogor.” After revealing his true name, Mogor symbolically loses his power. Now, the emperor has the ability to project identity onto Mogor by determining which name will govern his public persona. Akbar wields the secret nature of Mogor’s name to his own advantage, subtly reminding his guest of his power over the man’s life and death.