Events & Plot
What was the special occasion being celebrated at the start of Chapter 10?
Their first wedding anniversary.
She feels trapped, bored and disconnected.
Secrecy and identity conflict, she hides her true personality.
What does Moushumi applying to the fellowship in France reveal about her character?
She wanted to live independence and escape from her past life. If she somehow got it before the marriage there is a high possibility she wouldn't have stayed.
What is the name of the restaurant where Gogol and Moushumi celebrate their anniversary?
Antonia.
What major academic milestone does Moushumi complete alongside the anniversary?
What emotion does Gogol feel but cannot explain as their relationship changes? (Hint available at the sacrifice of 100 points)
Confusion and loneliness, primarily at the Thanksgiving meetup.
What could the yellow water stain and cracks in the ceiling symbolize? (Multiple right answers)
Most accurate: The cracks could symbolize the damage in their relationship.
What does Gogol’s calm routine show about him?
He craves stability and peace whereas Moushumi is the opposite, wants excitement and new opportunities.
What language or department does Moushumi teach at NYU?
French.
What does Moushumi secretly get accepted to?
A research fellowship in Paris, France.
Why doesn't Gogol suspect anything about Moushumi's affair?
He believes she's busy with work and trusts what she does.
How does Moushumi's attraction to Dimitri relate to her search of her true identity?
Dimitri shows that she wants freedom, and a connection that doesn't mean much but a lot at the same time. Something which is deep but not serious.
How does Moushumi’s affair with Dimitri connect to her past?
She knew him from a bus ride in the past about 10 years ago.
What is ONE of the items Gogol buys for Moushumi when he stops at the grocery before she comes back form the conference?
Blood oranges, a wedge of cheese, slices of soppressata, and a loaf of bread
Who does Moushumi start secretly meeting? What days does she start meeting them?
Dimitri, Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Why does Moushumi start seeing Dimitri more often, before it was Monday and Wednesday but also now Friday?
What does Gogol's act of buying food when she is coming back from her conference symbolize?
His effort to hold on to Moushumi and reconnect, as well as hold onto love.
What does Gogol’s reaction to being alone while Moushumi is away for her conference reveal about his character development?
It shows that Gogol has grown more independent and reflective. Instead of feeling lost like before, he finds calm in the absence of her, showing maturity and acceptance of himself.
Who was Alice, and what happened to her in the French department?
Alice was a woman from the department who suddenly died from an aneurysm.
What does Gogol eat after work one day in the week Moushumi is away at her conference in Palm Beach, Florida?
A Falafel Sandwich with Coffee.
What book does Gogol specifically buy to plan something for Moushumi in Chapter 11?
He buys a book for a tour guide in Italy since he was planning a vacation for her.
What is the larger theme throughout these 2 chapters?
The struggle for identity and complete understanding within relationships.
How are Gogol and Moushumi similar in their struggles with identity?
Both are torn between who they are and who they think they should be.
What secret reason does Moushumi give for being “busy” on Mondays and Wednesdays, and why does she do it?
She says she is studying in the library, but she is actually seeing Dimitri. She does this to hide her affair and live a double life without Gogol knowing.