The Shipbuilder

The Name Controversy in The Shipbuilder There are many instances in Ken Mitchell’s play The Shipbuilder, where the main character Jaanus Karkulainen, insists on being called by his Finnish name Karkulainen. In the play, many characters call him Johnny Crook. This situation creates controversy about names and shows how important names are to some people. Jaanus and Jukka create most of this controversy. Jaanus and Jukka are brothers who are born in Finland. Jukka …

…theme mentioned throughout the play. Jaanus and Jukka are related by blood, yet are almost nothing alike. One is a Finn and the other is a Canadian. Jaanus Karkulainen and Yuki Crook. Jaanus thinks that a name is important because it’s a part of you. He was born a Finn and will die a Finn. Jaanus’ name is a part of him and a part no one could ever take away from Jaanus Karkulainen.