In the passage from "The Lacuna" by Barbara Kingsolver, the narrator reacts with skepticism to the name "XARrizZON." They find it peculiar and almost humorous, suggesting it sounds uncomfortable, as if it could be related to strangling. The disdain in their voice emphasizes their bewilderment over the name's authenticity and relevance.

When the narrator learns that XARrizZON refers to a president of the United States, their incredulity grows. They question the credibility of the name by inquiring whether it belongs to a location devoid of oxygen, reflecting a broader critique of obscure or unfamiliar aspects of American political history that may seem absurd to some. This exchange highlights the tension between cultural understanding and misinterpretation.