Peer Blog: Landon's Blog

PEER BLOG (LANDON'S BLOG):

The Namesake and The Overcoat

These two stories need to be brought together when. Both are about transformation and the failure of each character to be able to successfully do so. We see in both stories and instant where they work for a particular goal; i.e. a legal name change in one story and a new cloak in the other. In both stories the main character gets to that goal only to have it be less fulfilling than they had hoped. Throughout the rest of both stories, our characters struggle to find their true identity when in fact they already have it. They are simply not happy with what they have become and where they have come from. There are many parallels throughout both stories thank link the two of them together. I think that the ultimate failure of finding that identity truly defines both characters. It really shows them what they already know.

MY RESPONSE:

I like your response, in that I agree that both characters try so hard to find themselves, when in fact they already possess who they are. In class, we stated the specific differences between an overcoat and a name; however, your general and broad distinctions make it easier to understand. In addition, the transformation you are referring to is clearly depicted in both, as Gogol yearns to find love and completion in his life away from his family traditions, whereas Akakiy yearns to be included. Both of these result in failure, as you said, because they fail to recognize that who they want to be is right in front of them. For example, Gogol should embrace his differences in his Indian culture and try to find a girl, rather than trying to live in two separate worlds; whereas Akakiy should find community with people in his workspace, etc. regardless of whether they are poor or wealthy.