Author: Sristy Sharma, Dr. Devendra Kumar Sharma

Abstract: Names and identity are inextricably linked and have a profound impact on an individual. Chitra Banerjee has depicted this link in her novel, Mistress of Spices, through the focal character Tilo. Tilo has struggled with identity since birth. Throughout each phase of her life, she’s been given a new name. This research paper aims to explore the various names, their significance, and identities associated with Tilo. Each of her names reflects a new persona of hers. This paper also analyses Tilo’s cognitive changes during the transformations. Her journey is perceived as a battle that she fights for her name and identity. Hence, the battle between her physical and emotional worlds, and her journey towards finding her true self, is also addressed.

Keywords: ambivalence, double consciousness, identity, naming, self-discovery

Article Info: Received: 01 Dec 2025; Received in revised form: 30 Dec 2025; Accepted: 04 Jan 2026; Available online: 10 Jan 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.111.5