"You see the names of places roundabout? They're mine now, and I've turned them inside out"

The quote, "You see the names of places roundabout? They're my own now, and I have actually turned them inside out", by Andrew Motion is a rich tapestry of meaning and subtlety, evocative of sense and ownership, as well as improvement and reinterpretation.

At its core, the speaker states a sense of ownership over the "names of places roundabout", suggesting not just a physical acquisition but possibly a much deeper, more personal claim over the essence or history of these locations. In literature, names are often emblematic of identity and heritage, and to declare them is to assert a powerful impact or connection to those locations. The use of "mine now" suggests a shift in possession or control, which might symbolize a more comprehensive commentary on colonialism, discovery, or conquest, where names and places are typically altered to fit the stories of those in power.

Furthermore, the idea of turning these names "completely" indicates a change or reimagining of these locations. This might suggest a reinterpretation that brings surprise histories or truths to the leading edge, basically modifying how these places are perceived. The phrase "turned them completely" evokes images of exposing inner operations, secrets, or realities that have been obscured or overlooked. It recommends an imaginative or defiant act, maybe where the speaker is reasserting a personal or cultural narrative that defies standard or accepted interpretations.

In a wider cultural context, this quote can resonate with themes of reclamation, where marginalized groups seek to gain back control over narratives and histories that have been altered or suppressed. It likewise discuss the power of language and naming as tools of identity shaping, where rewording or relabeling can act as acts of empowerment or resistance.

In general, Motion's words might be viewed as a meditation on the fluidity of identity, history, and the power characteristics intrinsic in naming and claiming places. They challenge the reader to think about how locations are perceived, how stories are built, and who has the authority to form those stories.