Alias:
* False Identity: "Alias" suggests a false identity, a name taken on to conceal the truth. This directly ties into the story of Grace Marks, a convicted murderer whose guilt or innocence is intensely debated throughout the novel.
* Multiple Perspectives: The title also implies that there are multiple "aliases" of Grace - the public perception, the prison matron's view, the psychiatrist's interpretation, and Grace's own internal narrative.
* The Power of Narrative: The "alias" can also be seen as the power of narratives to shape our understanding of reality. Throughout the novel, we see how different accounts of Grace's life and the murders shape public opinion and ultimately, her fate.
Grace:
* A Common Name: "Grace" is a common, even ordinary name, which underscores the contrast between the ordinariness of Grace's life and the extraordinary events she is accused of.
* Divine Grace: Grace is also a theological term, suggesting forgiveness and mercy. This resonates with the novel's exploration of justice, guilt, and the potential for redemption.
* The Nature of Grace: The name "Grace" can also be interpreted as referring to the elusive quality of Grace herself. Is she innocent or guilty? Is she a victim or a perpetrator? The novel deliberately leaves these questions unanswered, reflecting the ambiguity of human nature.
Overall, the title "Alias Grace" is a clever and multifaceted construction that encapsulates the novel's exploration of identity, memory, and the subjectivity of truth. It forces the reader to question the nature of reality and the power of narrative to shape our understanding of it.