Anonymity With Names

            My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk is a historical account of several characters that is a story of betrayal and murder, along with love and finding oneself. Interestingly, Pamuk tells the story from many characters point of view. The reader is immediately introduced to one of the main characters, who is murdered. Within the first couple chapters, the account of the murder is told from the killer’s point of view. At one point, a dog tells his side of the story, while at another point, a tree tells the reader of its plight across various lands and events that have gone into illustrations and works of art for a book.

            Pamuk’s strategy of keeping the characters, in a way, anonymous, helps keep the mystery of the murder alive and the reader guessing at the events, and the reasons behind them. At first, the victim of the murder does not come out and tell the reader who killed him, only that he feels sorry for his family that they are wondering where he is and that he wishes the killer will not only be caught, but tortured for this crime as well. He explains that his soul cannot rest in peace until the murderer is brought the justice. The victim’s address of the afterlife and death implies the events will be heavily influenced by religion and culture. However, this is about all the reader can conclude by the end of the first chapter.

            If the story were only told by one person, the reader would find it easier to demonize the killer and solely be empathetic toward the victim. However, Pamuk makes it possible for the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the killer, along with Shekure and other characters, to see how cultural shifts around a nation affect people on a grand scale, but individually as well. By keeping the identities hazy at first, the reader can identify with certain aspects or traits of each character. While people today may not be able to imagine aspects of the culture at that time, such as being considered old at the age of 24, the reader can certainly sympathize with the universal feelings of love and change.