The tear in "The Silk Heart": Autobiographical onomastics, migration and memory in the novel by Shi Yang Shi’s

Abstract

The paper delves into the realm of onomastics within the context of migration by analyzing Shi Yang Shi’s autobiographical novel, Cuore di Seta. Through the protagonist’s journey from China to Italy, the narrative unveils the profound significance of names in the process of identity reconstruction, as experienced through memory. The Chinese onomastic system is carefully elucidated for readers, providing insight into its cultural nuances. Throughout the story, the evolution of the protagonist is mirrored in the evolution of his nicknames, which reflect both personal growth and societal challenges encountered along the way. As the protagonist grapples with conflicts between Confucian traditions and his dual identity as a Chinese migrant in Italy, the narrative chronicles his quest for self-discovery. Ultimately, he embraces his plural nature by employing the act of renaming as a symbolic gesture of acceptance and integration.