The Namesake

Explore Ashima’s progress from a Bengali student to an American librarian through analysis of three key scenes. How does this compare to Gogol’s journey to accepting his identity?

Locate and analyze examples of how the author represents the differences between Bengali and American cultures. How do these differences tie into the novel’s themes concerning identity?

Consider each of Gogol’s romantic encounters. How does each represent a facet of his cultural identity? How does each shape his actions following the end of that encounter/relationship?

“Motherhood […] so far from home, unmonitored and unobserved by those she loved […].” Explore how Ashima navigates her role as a new, immigrant mother in America.

How do Ashoke’s life choices affect the narrative? Examine three examples.

How is Mo’s way of addressing her identity different than Gogol’s? Will Mo be content now that she and Gogol are no longer in a relationship? Will Gogol?

Compare Gogol and Sonia’s adulthood. Why doesn’t Sonia confront the same obstacles that Gogol does, and how is her choice in partner different than Gogol’s? What does this say about her character?

Consider the communal nature of Indian culture. How might the story be different if it followed Americans immigrating to India?