“The perfect name will come” Chapter 9, page 244. This leads up to what Gogol will say about a perfect name. The book has a common theme of names, hence the book being called “The Namesake”. On different occurrences of names being brought up, Gogol/Nikhil has different approaches to each.
Force, pressure, and expectations are some of the things that Gogol endures in "The Namesake". In the story, Gogol is about to start kindergarten but he has conflicting feelings because his parents have told him he will use a new name which he doesn’t want. The characterization of Ashoke and Mrs. Lapidus is of extreme importance to the plot and Gogol, due to the conflicts between the two in front of Gogol about his name. At the start of the story, when Gogol walks into Mrs. Lapidus's office with his mother to talk about his enrollment, there is a clear conflict about what he should be called in school. Gogol's mother states that he wants his name to be "Nikhil" because they come from a different country and want him to fit in with the other kids.
The reason for this is they want everyone to have a different name so there isn't conflict. This affects the bond because naming your child is a special thing that brings the parent closer, but they no longer have that. “Naming a baby is an act of poetry, for many people the only creative moment of their lives” (Ricard Eyre). Additionally, people follow the standard that being
Throughout literature the constant theme of identity has been explored, with Northrop Frye even suggesting “the story of the loss and regaining of identity is, I think, the framework for all literature.” For characters, true identity isn’t always apparent, it needs to be searched for. Sometimes the inner struggle for identity stems from ones need for belonging. Whether one finds their sense of identity within friends, family, or in a physical “home”. It’s not always a place that defines identity.
Although the 1950s is often labeled as an era of prosperity in most textbooks, it was anything but a decade of satisfied jubilation. The armistice of the second World War left much unresolved, especially when it came to the United States’ relationship with the rapidly ascending Soviet Union. The two superpowers had been divided by ideological tensions since the late 1930s, with the United States being a capitalist nation and the Soviet Union being communist, but with Germany no longer being a world factor, the apprehension was higher than ever. Consequently, Americans became extraordinarily vigilant about preventing the rise of communist influence domestically that would threaten their way of life. However, this paranoia would lead many to
Identity is the “condition of being oneself”. This identity is predominantly based on relationships formed with peers and family. Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta, explores the life of Josephine Alibrandi and her journey to find her real identity. At the beginning of the novel, Josephine is unsure of her cultural, social and personal standing within her society. The novel Divergent by Veronica Roth presents similar issues in relation to uncertainty of the protagonist’s identity.
Gogol, the son of Ashima and Ashoke, was born in America and spends the first half of his life trying to run away from his Bengali roots. Although Gogol does not feel as lost and detached as his parents in America, he has a difficult time trying to balance the Bengali culture he was born into as well as the American culture he sees and experiences all around him as he is growing up. Throughout the novel, The Namesake, Gogol struggles to develop his identity due to the clashing of Bengali and American culture in his life. Gogol’s first obstacle in his search for self-identity occurs only a couple days after his birth, when his parents must decide on a name in order to be released from the hospital. Ashima and Ashoke eventually decide on Gogol, after the writer who saved Ashoke’s life during a train crash.
Wind Spills over the towering buildings and into ruckus the of the street. The crimson sun casts long shadows upon the crowded street. Gogol, half asleep, is comforted by the warmth of another. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri tells the story of Gogol, a child of immigrants, who experiences America and its culture. He experiences different cultures and lifestyles and is at times troubled about his own identity.
To be alone on an island, painting the sky the desired shade of blue, but to be secluded, fending away civilization as it it were a parasite, is not one’s ideal state of mind. Yet, by a particular female character named Moushumi In the book The Namesake, they are confused. Moushumi is the ex-wife of Gogol and identified in detail by Jhumpa Lahiri. Moushumi’s identity is composed of her experiences, her values, and her background.
Cultivation of Cultural Identity The film, The Namesake, directed by Mira Nair, suggests that everyone has a cultural identity, whether they ignore or embrace it. Gogol Ganguli initially wants to abandon his family’s traditions and adopt American customs since he was born in America. Soon he learns that his name has a very emotional meaning to his father. Because of his new knowledge of the significance of his name, he begins to enter a transformation where he accepts and loves his culture.
In addition, immigrants may face the loss of identity. The book started from the day Gogol was in Ashima’s womb to the day he wonders about his identity at the age of 32.
In The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, Gogol experiences a cultural identity crisis, which is displayed in his lifestyle and personality. Born in America of immigrant parents, Gogol wants to completely be in the American culture. He has a conflict with his Indian culture because of the traditions from his culture and the trips to Calcutta. Unfortunately, all the events that relate to his Indian culture do not help with his cultural identity.
Born in America, immersed in mainstream American culture, but raised by parents who retain strong Indian traditions; in result, he struggles with his identity. As he grows up he questions who he truly is, and where he truly belongs. His past struggles all have an effect on his romantic relationships throughout the novel. Gogol’s three key relationships are animated by themes of belonging and alienation. Gogol’s first serious relationship is with Ruth,
Firstly, the film, “The Namesake, ” uses various effects in the plot to emphasize on conflicts between characters and how it is resolved. “The Namesake” is mainly about a kid named Gogol who absolutely despises his name, who his father named after Nikolai Gogol. He becomes distant from his family and Indian culture until the death of his father where he realizes that he must embrace his differences as his duty to everyone that has loved him. The movie immediately begins with a conflict between two characters: Gogol’s parents. They are arranged to marry
Have you ever found yourself, yet lost yourself? That question may be a mouthful but think about it. Have you ever steered off of who you are and the discovered a whole new side of yourself? In The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, the main character, Gogol, maintains two identities as Gogol, linking back to his past, and Nikhil, which develops as he grows up. Gogol is more family oriented and more true to Indian culture, while Nikhil follows the “American” way by showing independence and rebellion.
