To be clear: I know using people's names in art is tricky, especially if the art doesn't paint that person in a good light.
But what I mean is this: I'm at a point now where I use my nephew's name, George, in poems because I've written about him enough. As a writer, I don't mind if people interpret our relationship to be something other than auntie/nephew. I don't mind if people read it as mother/child or sister/brother. It doesn't matter to me.
But what are your thoughts as a reader to my naming him instead of specifying our relationship? (I am, of course, using myself as an example, I'm not the only one to use names in art. EG. Taylor Swift's early discography). Would you prefer to know he's my nephew? Is it distracting? Does it take away from the meaning of the poem? Or is it a case by case basis?
Hey Rachel
This really comes down to artist preference.
Think specification,when done effectively,can impact piece due to relatability.
As you mention,using names in art isn't that rare.Think Slim Shady wrote stuff about his daughter and may have use his child's name.Don't quote me on that,been a while since I listen to Slim Shady's music.
The Beatles wrote a song call "Hey Jude",which may imply a person.
Point is,what one know doesn't matter.Whats interpret is.
Regardless of meaning,its a matter of perspective.Its up for artist to give meaning to art and consumer to determine meaning for them.
My thoughts on using names in poems depends on who I'm talking about.
Its mainly pronouns,that way nobody will be offended and I can save myself from explanation,as poetry needs to be "Show,don't tell",NOT "tell,don't show".
I like it. I think specificity is what people really connect to. It makes the poem‘s speaker sound more like a person to me
Interesting thoughts. I think this may be you overthinking. I don't think in this instance it matters if you name them. The reader will always walk away with their own interpretation and that is what is amazing about what we do! So I wouldn’t worry about what their take is in who George is. You should write your poems for you.
As for using names in general, I may be able to shed some light on this as I had to do some research for my book A303 when mentioning Ronnie Wood.
If the event actually happened. And can prove it actually happened, you are able to write it. If Paloma Faith punched you in the mouth, and you can prove that was an actual real life event. You can have it in your book being observed by your character etc.
But you can't make it up, especially if it is detrimental and destruction of character!