The Namesake

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Good names vs Nicknames

Adult wishes to be known as "Nikhil" (American)

Child wishes to remain "Gogol" (Inidan Culture)

Myrah Newberry, Alex Breeze, Sarah Kroeger

Nikolai Gogol

Author of the book that saved Ashoke's life

Gogol named after Ashoke's first miracle; Gogol is Ashoke's second miracle.

Death vs Life, Mourning vs Celebration: Indian Culture

Ashoke's near death experience makes him love his life and family more.

Ashoke hides past from his family.

"The Overcoat" (symbolic)

Writing Style

Use of sympathy

Flow

The pace is very fast and easy to follow

Detail

Lahiri includes lots of detail so that the reader can empathize with each character

Characters

Sonia

The sister of Gogol. Was originally named Sonali, but to prevent confusion like with Gogol, but name is still shortened to Sonia.

Gogol/ Nikhil

Wife. Divorce after she cheats on him.

Moushumi

Maxine

College girlfriend. Goes to school in England

Ruth

First love. Break up due to Gogol's struggle with Ashoke's death.

Ashima

Mother, Wife, Homemaker, very devoted to the Indian culture

Ashoke

Father, a Professor, nearly dies when young in train accident, but actually dies when he has a heart attack

Culture

Birth/ Death

Maxine's relationship cannot survive Ashoke's death; she pushes the cultural limitations by insisting on going to India with Gogol.

Use Indian rituals in America

parental acceptance

Ashima disapproves of Maxine

Gogol does not persue further relationsip after Ashoke's death.

arranged marriage

Gogol/ Moushumi- not totally, but influenced by parents.

Ashoke/Ashima

Setting

India

Gogol must participate within two cultures

Ashima and Ashoke's home

America

Gogol's home

Ashima and Ashoke's adaption

Themes

Family

Gogol struggles with his family ties, should he follow the family? or should he try to fit in with his American peers?

Pressure

Gogol is pressured into relationship with Moushumi. Ends in divorce.

Displacement

Gogol feels out of place in America and India. Compare to Lahiri.

Identity-

Who is Nikhil?

Who he wants to be (American Culture)

Who is Gogol?

Who his parents want him to be (Indian Culture)