The Name of the World
After the death of his wife and child in a life-changing accident, Michael struggles to see any meaning or purpose in the world around him. This is until he meets a student called Flower Cannon, whose name sparks Michael's interest. He believes that the imagery associated with her name symbolizes life itself; flowers are associated with life, beauty, and growth, while cannons are associated with violence, war, and death. Michael therefore decides that this is the "name of the world," hence the title of the book.
Grief
Grief is a key aspect of Michael's experience in the text and is illustrated by the use of imagery. Michael often feels "numb" which represents his inability to find meaning and happiness in his life.
Alaska
After committing various crimes, Michael must flee, ultimately deciding to travel to Alaska. This destination is remote and cold, which reflects Michael's numbness in his life, whilst also interestingly providing an escape from it. Here, nobody knows who Michael is, and he is therefore able to let go of his past to some degree.
