Character Clues
This character refuses to go by his “good name” at school
Gogol
Gogol attends these classes instead of art
Bengali Language Classes
Gogol’s “good name”
Nikhil
This item represents death and history
Gravestone Rubbing
This significant American holiday is celebrated by the Gangulis, reflecting their blending of Bengali and American cultures
Thanksgiving
She feels isolated after moving to the suburbs
Ashima
Gogol’s classmates react this way to his name
Teasing/Mocking
The origin of Gogol’s nickname/pet name
Nikolai Gogol
What object was lost in the mail which had an impact on the Ganguli's first born child
Letter with names (Grandmother)
This change in their living situation represents the Gangulis’ deeper commitment to their new life in America
Buying a home
His character begins to take on more household duties
Ashoke
Why Ashima dislikes the cemetery rubbing project
morbid/sacrilegious in Bengali culture
Gogol's father's reason for choosing the name
Surviving a train crash while reading one of his books
The family's decision to buy a house in the college town symbolizes their growing investment in this aspect of their lives
Settlement
In what process does Gogol reject his "good name" Nikhil
Kindergarten Registration
Gogol’s sister’s official name
Sonali
What Sonia’s behavior at her rice ceremony represents
Americanization
Why does Gogol refuse to go by the name Nikhil
He feels like Nikhil is a stranger and not truly him
pet name and good name
Ashoke begins to take on this responsibility in the family, signaling his deeper integration into American life
Cooking or driving Gogol to school
He is surprised and fascinated by how common his last name is in Calcutta
Gogol
This object symbolizes the family’s slow shift to American culture
Barbeque
In Bengali tradition, this term refers to a pet name used within the family, distinct from the formal name.
Daknam
Which food related ritual connects the Ganguli family back to their roots
Rice Ceremony
Gogol’s journey to Calcutta leads to this realization, which deepens his understanding of his cultural identity
Ganguli family in the phonebook