What's in a Name?

I know the title I chose for my first novel is a bit of a moutthful. It's been called "interesting" on more than one occasion. The original title which came to mind was "Absolute Tyranny", which is arguably easier on the tongue (and brain). However, when read in context of the Declaration of Independence, it simply wasn't as powerful as "Despotism".

Synonyms with which I associate the word, "absolute" include "total", "all-encompassing," "wholly", "complete". When combined with a word like "despotism" (a word to describe the oppressive and cruel actions of a formidable despot/tyrant) suddenly the title conveys with it a powerful indication - a greater understanding of what the book itself is about.

The deeper meaning which lies under the surface of the title, Absolute Despotism, is that a government has the inherent capability to create an inescapable, all-encompassing, hellish existence, as orchestrated by a corrupt and powerful few, and allowed by the complacent masses. I chose the title because it is a story in and of itself, with roots planted firmly and deeply in one of the United States of America's most important documents: The Declaration of Independence.

Any totalitarian regime begins with these conditions, and since this first story chronicles the beginning of the epitome of a dystopian future existence, "Absolute Despotism" became the only possible title for this, my first, novel.