How does gogol

Decrease font size. Increase font size. Display options. Default More Most. Back to Default Settings Done. Article Preview :. Source Citation. His conflicted world places him in a margin where he feels neither fully American nor fully Bengali, but he resists acknowledging this marginalized position because even that confession seems like an admission of defeat.

Ashoke views his history as having led him to his current place, and he celebrates even the difficult parts of his past. Previous Chapter 4. Next Chapter 6. Removing book from your Reading List will also remove any bookmarked pages associated with this title. The Namesake is the first novel from Pulitzer-winner Jhumpa Lahiri, focusing on the division between assimilated American children and Indian migrants.

Apparently, this took place when he was reading his cherished novel by Nikolai Gogol. During his stay in the United States of America with his wife, he chooses to name his newborn child Gogol, which was a pet name.

Later, this turns out to be his official name, and Gogol is oblivious of the importance behind it. Thus, this piece analyses the American identity in the novel, The Namesake by exploring the role of family, culture, and environment in shaping American identity. The author demonstrates how Gogol struggles to come home both spiritually and physically because his family is penniless Lahiri His desire to travel is to escape, instead of reaching a specific destination. Additionally, the changing of his official name from Gogol to Nikhil, his marriage to Moushumi and the premature death of his father marks his turning point.

Consequently, these experiences influence the decision to leave and return home using Pemberton Road. Furthermore, in his early years, the family's journey to India to meet their relatives is not essential to him as it is for his parents.

In the same context, spending time with his Bengali allies in the States is not essential. Surprisingly, as much as he avoids his origin, approving his Indian name, Nikhil, does not seem to bother him. Also, his career preferences serve as a tribute to his relatives in India. As a result, Gogol develops a passion for art, leading him to seek a career as an architect in honor of his grandpa who was an artist. From this observation, it becomes clear that Gogol does not feel displaced because he is in America.

Also, he embraces his Indian relatives in his native home and feels more of an Indian than an American. On the other hand, Maxine comes from an affluent family. She imitates her parents by complimenting their ways and tastes.

Also, at the dinner table, Maxine disagrees with her parents regarding paintings, books and the folks they knew. More importantly, she differs with them like a disagreement with a friend. Besides, Maxine lives faithfully and happily.

About this, Maxine is brought up as a proud American child, and the way she interacts with her parents makes her uphold the American identity. As a result, this act of hospitality influences Gogol to believe that American should be an ideal identity for him since it stands for cohesion and forgiveness.

For instance, Maxine who resides in Boston went back to her parents' house after breaking up with her boyfriend. Even more, Gogol befriended those of American origin, Ruth, and Maxine, hence, promoting the acceptance of the American identity among immigrants. On the first meeting, Gogol was astonished to find himself attracted to Moushmi and he wanted.

If such a broad statement is true, then its wisdom lies in the acknowledgment that self growth is an inherent part of who people are.

Growth implies a forward movement, or in other words, an expansion of the self, and individuals can choose to do this together, apart, or attempt to remain stagnant within their relationship s.

Nicastro 1 The novel The Namesake, opens up on the. Along with While Gogol refers to home in more than one location along with his relationship with women are relevant to help him search what he is lacking in his life and finding the right place for him is where he wishes not to remember of Pemberton road. Gogol uses relationships as a disguise for himself.

Throughout the story Gogol feels pressured by his parents to follow the Bengali culture, to marry a Bengali girl. Namesake, the main character, Gogol Ganguli, is divided between Bengali and American culture, while also having difficulty accepting his name.