Poncio+Vicario+&+his+name

Poncio Vicario Poncio Vicario is the father of Angela, Pedro, and Pablo Vicario, as well as the husband of Pura Vicario. His profession used to be that of goldsmith, but he became blind from “doing so much fine work in gold”(36). He is paid little attention to and is a character of little importance to the other villagers, as is evidenced by the fact that even though during the wedding he is positioned on a chair in the center of the yard, “thinking perhaps that it was the seat of honor” (44), the other guests “stumbled over him, confused him with someone else, moved him so he wouldn’t be in the way”, evidencing their disregard for him, even though he is the father of the bride. (44). The name Poncio is the Spanish form Pontius, which itself is a Roman name possibly derived from either the ancient roman Pontus province in Asia Minor. The name Pontus consequently is derived from Greek //pontos// (sea). However, an alternate explanation could indicate a relationship between Pontius and the Latin //pons// (bridge). A notable bearer of this name is Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea during Jesus Christ’s lifetime, thus lending a biblical element to the name. The name Vicario means “vicar” in both Spanish and Italian, thus adding another religious element to Poncio Vicario’s name by referencing the title of someone in the clergy.
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Like with most of the characters, Poncio’s name has a heavy religious (Christian) undertone to it, although his refers to one of Christ’s main antagonists (Pontius Pilate, who sentenced him to be crucified) as well as to someone who dedicates their entire life to serving Christ (a vicar). This creates a dynamic juxtaposition within his name. However, if taking into account the //pons// origin, it could be said that Poncio has been the bridge that has borne the weight of his family over and over again, at the sacrifice of himself (him having turned blind, the bridge wearing down).