We start today with Norman, whose name(s) and meanings perfectly encompass the work which this week was meant to accomplish. Enjoy!
Name Meaning
- Man of the north (French, English)
- Vikings who settled in France were called "Normans," refers to Normandy region of France (German)
- Owns a new house (Spanish, American)
Series References
A complex phrase, in the context of the series "owns a new house" encompasses anything relating to family or the concept of home, directly associated to Norman in some way.
- Shane: "We'll keep him." - To Whom It May Concern
- Norman: "I guess whoever did it wanted to make it seem like a real family lived here." - For Christmas
- Norman: "Do we all have to move here?" - Impossible Dream
Real Life References
Impact
By definition, Norman means, "man of the north." It suggests no particular association, no origin, no lineage from which to draw. Paired with Xavier (owns a new house), the "man of the north" lays claim to something---a new home, one where the association of its inhabitants can be whatever the man of the house makes it to be. This, in every sense, describes Norman and the relationships and associations he creates with those around him.
While a well-known fact now, remember that we didn’t start the series knowing Norman was adopted. That means, up until "A Hope & A Future," all of Norman’s references to cousins could have merely been construed as descending from a large family, supported by the appearance of two of Norman’s cousins (in “Something Good” and “The Treasure Box”) both of whom shared a with Norman a potential family resemblance. |
Even as Norman found his forever family and met his biological grandmother, the connections he was most outspoken about preserving were those forged with Rita, Oliver and Shane, and his chosen home, the DLO. This is best demonstrated in the scenes with Shane included in the video.
Shane’s remark, “Yeah, we’ll keep him,” is a verbal representation of the value she has placed on her relationship and connection to Norman---an act that seems to deeply touch him. As a result, Norman’s plea to Shane in From Paris With Love is less about the “POstables” and more about the connection severed---and family broken---by her seemingly imminent departure. The wounded look on his face says it all. |
Norman Xavier Dorman is so much more than just a name or a character. He is the embodiment of our universal desire to connect and be connected with. For Norman, this is illustrated by his desire for family, and the ways he negotiates and fulfills that need by assigning those around him a place in the family he creates for himself.
I don't know about you, but I think we're off to a pretty good start with this whole name thing!
Making Connections,
~C
What's In A Name? Series: Introduction | Norman | Rita | Oliver | Shane