Solaris

In addition to Lem’s use of coded language, he symbolically uses names to develop his concepts and characters. The name “Solaris” relates to the sun, the planet’s two suns being sources of power beyond human comprehension. In particular, the planet is a source of life for visitors: Solaris comprises an intelligent, life-giving ocean, which creates small constructs and structures as it dreams, plans, and reflects. Furthermore, Lem uses several names that relate to temperature or heat. He constantly mentions the rising and falling level of heat in the space station as it circles Solaris’s two suns. Kris’s last name, Kelvin—the absolute temperature scale—frames him as a mercurial person, his mood inadvertently leading to the original Rheya’s death.

In contrast, Dr. Snow’s name reflects his ability to remain logical. As for the other two scientists, Dr. Sartorius is a reference to French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, whom Lem apparently disliked, and Dr. Gibarian’s name stems from the Germanic word for “strong.” Gibarian died by suicide before Kris’s arrival at the station but left behind his research in the hopes of his student continuing his work. Rheya stems from “Rhea,” the “mother of gods” in Greek mythology; the name also means “flowing stream,” reflecting her relationship with Solaris’s living ocean. The original name of the character (in the Polish version), Harey, was a common name implying a “caregiver.”