Someone Knows My Name, By Lawrence Hill

In the novel, Someone Knows My Name, the author, Lawrence Hill, Hill explores the theme of identity by using the point of view of the main character, Aminata Diallo, and her experiences. Hill also uses the struggles slaves faced attempt to preserve their identity as a device to further underline the dominating nature of slave trading by the demonstration through the renaming of slaves, the separation from familiarity and the restrictions on formal education and faith.

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In the mid-18th century, it was a common practice to give new names to their slaves as it was a way to show ownership and power. Giving slaves new names disconnected them even more from their African roots. Aminata describes, “But he pointed at me and said something else.

Mamadu's identity plays here. Simply because after his kidnapping part of his identity is lost, especially on the family and cultural side. For Mamadu, he would’ve found it difficult to identify as a family descendant, for example; I am Mamadu Diallo, son of Chekura and Aminata Diallo, a descendant of Mamadu Diallo and Senu, from the village of Bayo.

Concluding Statement In short, separations took many forms in Hill’s work, however, the majority resulted in death. Socialization is needed when shaping one’s identity. For example, being surrounded by those who share similarities, helps with understanding one’s self and their surrounding. But being separated, can have a very traumatic effect on someone and result in unhealed wounds.
Finally, in Hill’s work, one should notice the level of restrictions imposed on slaves during that period; It manifests in many different forms throughout the book. The ban on practicing one's religion is just one of those restrictions. Aminata claims to be a freeborn Muslim, in which she practices her faith in her homeland, but loses it, later on. In her new land, as Aminata tries to pray, “You must never pray in that manner. It is dangerous, and toubab will correct you with the whip. The toubab will correct us all.” (Hill,

There appears to be little form of literacy or education toward slaves. Aminata manages to get some sort of education.

While Mamed is teaching Aminata basic levels of literature, He proceeded to say, “You mustn’t tell anybody about the things I teach.” He said. “I promise.” “No one must know, he insisted. (Hill, 177)

Restricting slaves from learning literature, and violently punishing them for doing so, is one way to impose power and ownership onto someone. This form of regulation has a minor effect on one’s identity. While knowing literature can serve as an advantage in personal growth, and knowledge of society and could better help with understanding one’s identity.
To conclude this statement, religion has a powerful effect when it comes to one’s identity. Religious values shape someone’s way of thinking and behaving. Furthermore, literature has a powerful effect on knowledge. Restricting such things makes it difficult for one to shape and build their own identity and also demonstrates power, control and ownership from higher slave owners.