One of the main themes in each of the novel we read in class were about conflicting identities. The novel, the namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri is filled with conflicting identities. The main character Gogol has several conflicting identity’s. The conflicting identities come from Gogol’s heritage. Gogol was born in the United States, but his parents are from India. Gogol’s parents were unaware of Americas rules and customs. In India newborns have two different names, a name that’s considered “good” and a pet name. Their good name is usually picked out by their grandmother. Before the letter could come that had Gogol’s good name, Gogol’s mother went into labor. In America before a baby can be released from the hospital parents have to pick out a name.