In class, we have been discussing the role Gogol has in the novel, "The Namesake". Also, we examine his relationships with others and how he interacts with them. I think that Gogol is a chameleon: always changing based on his environment. When he's with Maxine, he changes his topics of discussion and every aspect of his life based on her wealthy, carefree family. He pretends to be so free-willed and sophisticated, it kills me. When around Moushumi, however, he seems to be himself. He can accept his culture around her, but he also  still bases his every action around impressing her. We think he's happy with Moushumi, but when he catches her cheating, he is shocked
His battle with his name also comes to end in the final chapters of the book. He learns to accept his life after things go wrong with Moushumi, which is good, but it was kind of a long time. I was so happy once he accepted every aspect of his life; his name, his heritage, and even his future. He finally learns to accept himself for who he is. Once he discovers himself, things seem to go much better than they ever did before.
I was kind of mad at Gogol. It took him two break ups and many years to finally realize who he is. It's kind of ridiculous!
I was also pretty upset at the ending of the novel. To be honest, I was expecting something a little more exciting. With all the drama and mistakes that happened throughout the novel, I thought the ending was kind of meager.

Untitled

This time, things regarding love are a little different. Allow me to explain. Gogol engages in many love affairs, as any growing man should. We get to know him as a lover. He enjoys the little things, things that his parents could never provide or enjoy. Especially with Maxine, we see how Gogol is a little rebellious and doesn't like to tell his parents everything. But things change completely when we learn about Moushumi. Things are different at first, and we can't tell if Gogol is completely attracted to her. With Maxine, Gogol loved every second he was around her. He loved the food, the company, the wine, the life that her and her parents enjoyed. Gogol has never dated a Bengali girl before, and we don't know exactly how he feels about arranged marriages.
It seems to me, however, that Gogol is enjoying his time with Moushumi. I mean, he does get lucky on the third date! It's always the third date that things actually happen...weird. But, I digress.
How interesting though, is page 217/218?!?!?! When reading page 217, I kind of stopped for a while, my mouth agape, and thought about the series of unfortunate events that led to Moushimi's breakdown. It made me think of the people in my life who have become overwhelmed by a plethora of complicated facets. But the last sentence of page 218, is perfect. Not every single sentence and word in the book is perfect, as they are in "To Kill a Mockingbird", but the last sentence of page 218 is pure perfection. One must read the whole book to understand, but the last sentence is "And then one day her mother called, asking if she remembered a boy named Gogol." (218). I really look forward to seeing what will happen.
Again, this got me thinking. What if this happens to me? I have no right telling my future, but I have met many people at small family gatherings who really mean nothing to me. What if my mom arranges a marriage? In today's Iranian culture, not many mothers do this. I have no idea if my mother will comply. It all really depends on how desperate I am...hah!

Thoughts About "The Namesake"

     How is it that a mere name can be so deciding of one's life? We all know that Gogol was given that name because of the role the author had in saving Ashoke's life, but how does it affect Gogol himself? When in high school, he is reserved, thoughtful, and not too popular. Upon merely changing his name, Gogol almost makes a whole new transformation. He tells one girl that his name is Nikhil, and it seems to us that he has grown a new sense of confidence and pride. While he uses that name, Nikhil, he is confident and unafraid to talk to people, to "be himself". But he has no idea that it's actually not himself.
     Gogol is insecure at first. He does not like his name, and "is both absurd and obscure" (76). His name gives him a sense that he does not belong to any sort of culture. But when he meets Kim, everything changes. I found it so interesting that right then and there, that night, he changed his name and immediately got his first kiss. He continues to use this alias, and almost everything goes according to planned. When Gogol learns about the source of his original name, he is assured yet still confused. I feel like Gogol is satisfied at the end of Chapter Five. He is glad that he has finally found out the reason behind his seemingly miserable childhood, and now, after twenty some years, he finally understands.

But seriously, what is up with all the train accidents?!

Let it Slide

When reading "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri, I noticed something that I hadn't ever done just by nature. I was reading along, underlining and annotating as usual, when something made me stop annotating and just enjoy the book's text. It was completely natural, and I couldn't annotate. I just read and did not stop. It was truly amazing. I really like this book. It's a lot easier to understand than "Notes from Underground", and a little bit better-written than "Things Fall Apart". I had read this book previously in 6th or 7th grade, but I completely forgot how beautiful and flowing the text really is. I think now I will try to read it with a whole new perspective. Every time I re-read a book, I find new things that I hadn't found the previous time. After reading Macbeth 5 times, there still are little themes and symbols I miss.

I really look forward to the mystery of finding new ideas and conflicts in "The Namesake". After just reading the first chapter, I was amazed at how fast it went by. The one main thing I remember about reading this book is how fast it read. I also believe that I will pay more attention to the cultural aspect of this novel. Last time I didn't really realize the whole point, but now I realize my mistakes and I will correct them.