The only way that would do what you want it to is with the use of eval

$ref = { "person" => {
                       "name" => "Bob"
                     }
};

# this works
print $ref->{person}{name};

# this does
$n = '{person}{name}';
eval 'print $ref->'.$n;
[download]

I think Zaxo got your ticket though ;)

update: Just because you've been shown you have to use a knife, doesn't mean you also have to be told "Hey, don't cut your fingers off."

I did not forget, everybody knows its inherently dangerous.

____________________________________________________
** The Third rule of perl club is a statement of fact: pod is sexy.