Questions to consider as you read/study:
· What would you say are some emerging themes or issues from your reading of Chs 1- 3?
In chapters 1-3, there are many significant events that occur, such as the mother and father moving to America, Gogol's birth (with name ceremony, etc.) and lastly when they move to Boston, Sonia is born and Gogol takes a field trip to a cemetery. Themes in these chapters include transition, circle of life, and unity.
· We read Nikolai Gogol’s story “The Overcoat” earlier in the course, and it figures importantly in Lahiri’s The Namesake. In what ways is it related to The Namesake? In what ways is a name like an overcoat?
An overcoat depicts status, can represent one's confidence, and can hide one from society. This is seen in Nikolai Gogol’s “The Overcoat” as Akakiy is an outcast in his old overcoat; however, once he finds the money to get a new one, he is treated like a new person and is invited to a party. This status increase for him takes him from his dark and impoverished streets to lit wealthy neighborhoods of joy and celebration. Gogol in Lahiri’s The Namesake does not realize until he is older how much the name means to his family, especially his father, thus does not show great appreciation; in fact, he shows strong dislike to the name.
· As you read Chs 7, 8, and 9 and if you had to pick just one event, what would you say is the central event of each chapter?
The central event in chapter seven would be the death of his father and the sadness it brings to his family, especially his mother. This also depicts a change of heart for Gogol as he becomes reconnected with his family and less interested in his love life with Maxine. The central event in chapter eight would be the meeting of Moushumi and the interactions they shared, such as the awkward first date, and the hat that was so expensive that he eventually bought for her later. This changed Gogol to conform because he was confused, and wanted to follow tradition and since she was Indian he though she was the right one to marry. The central event in chapter nine is at Moushumi's friends' party as they are boggled over Gogol's name as they insultingly ask him how his parents thought of that name, which makes him feel apart from society even more.
· When was the last time Nikhil/Gogol saw his father? What rituals do Bengalis practice related to death?
The last time Gogol saw his father, he was currently dating Maxine, and it was before his father left for his teaching job. This is where his father told him the meaning behind his name as he stated, "you remind me of everything that followed (Lahiri 124)." The rituals Bengalis practice include going back to India and spreading the ashes, in addition to a ceremony (held at their house) to celebrate the person's life.
· Take note of another letter – remember the one early in the story that got lost – and another random event – Moushumi discovers the letter on the first day of the semester while trying to help out by sorting the mail. The name on the envelope, as Moushumi will later say, is the person who will help her wreck her marriage. What do you make of her decision to call Dimitri?
Her thought foreshadowed her actions, and since she felt so strongly about him and the burning temptation that she had, I do not think it was appropriate for her to call him. It could have possibly been acceptable if Gogol, her and Dimitri went for dinner, that way Gogol could keep a close eye on her. I do not agree with her actions, because though her intentions may seem good, she knew from the start that it was not going to end well.
· Many significant moments for the Ganguli family occur on the train. Discuss one event that occurs on the train and its significance (leave other events for others to discuss and avoid repeating events that others have already pointed out).
One specific event is at the start of the novel when Gogol's father is on a train that suddenly crashes and explodes. Though the train is blown to smithereens and there are many dead, Ashoke manages to survive with the Nikolai Gogol’s “The Overcoat” in his hand. A rescue team recognizes him because he moves the book, thus they see him struggling to survive. This scene shapes the entire book, as it is the origin for his son's name and is why his father depicts every day as a gift.
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