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?!