Last Patient of the Night

Nicknames are a motif in Last Patient of the Night, and they serve as a dual symbol of both intimacy and emotional distance. The first nickname that appears is Doc’s own: He prefers to be called Doc by everyone, which indicates both his title as “doctor” and is a shortened version of his surname, “Docker.” Doc lets everyone call him by his nickname, indicating his desire to build close relationships with everyone around him. Another nickname that informs a close relationship is Doc’s nickname for Tom. When Doc first sees Tom after Tom’s introduction to the narrative, Doc says, “Well, if it isn’t Officer No Clue and his much better-looking partner. Come here, Banshee. Give me a kiss” (17). Doc pretends to prefer Banshee to Tom, but Doc and Tom are close friends.

Doc frequently makes fun of Tom throughout the novel, from his ironic nickname that indicates he’s bad at being a police officer to insulting Tom’s mustache. Laughter can be an important element of any friendship, and Doc and Tom’s friendship is full of mutual ribbing. Tom reciprocates Doc’s nicknaming, calling Doc “Doc Holliday” (100) after Little D proposes the nickname after the shootout with Bohdan. Little D is also an affectionate nickname, though Doc never reveals Little D’s real name in the novel.

Another person with a nickname whose name is never revealed is Dyyavola. Dyyavola keeps his old identity a complete secret so effectively that even the police cannot figure out who he is after his death. Dyyavola uses a nickname for the opposite reason that Doc uses nicknames: Instead of seeking friendship or closeness, Dyyavola keeps his identity hidden to keep distance between himself and everyone else. This distance is essential to Dyyavola keeping his power over others, as his mysterious persona, coupled with his gratuitous violence, makes everyone else afraid of him.