Identity
Nikhil means "he who is entire, encompassing all" (61). How does this apply to the story and Nikhil as a character?
Nikhil encompasses many cultures and beliefs and makes them his own.
How do you think Ashoke felt when his son was involved in a train accident at the same age he was?
Ashoke was worried for his son, but he also probably felt the fear of his train crash for the first time since Nikhil was born.
Do you think Ashoke's death changes Gogol in any meaningful way?
I think it makes him more aware of how little time he spent with his father, and I think he'll consequently start spending more time with his mother.
Will Ashoke's death have an impact on his relationship with Maxine? Will they drift apart? Or get closer?
Maxine is a symbol of his escape, his guilt that he is further and further away from his family, so yes.
How does Nikhil's name change affect his relationship with his parents?
After his name change, Nikhil becomes his own person and not just his parent's son. He starts to care less about pleasing his parents and care more about being happy.
In Chapter 5, Nikhil refers to college as "home". What is the significance of this?
For the first time, Nikhil is breaking away from his parents and starting his own life.
Most likely, Maxine will get bored of having to wait for Nikhil to move on and because she can't understand it will cause problems and they'll most likely break up.
Do Maxine's parents and Gogol's parents contrast? If so, in what ways?
Yes, both are complete opposites. When it comes to who lives in their house, physical touch, and parties
Do you think Maxine adds to Nikhil's identity or takes away from it?
I believe Maxine builds on Nikhil's identity and adds more American values to him, that he didn't have before.
Ashoke is away from Ashima and his kids when he dies. Why is this important?
Ashima claims he went away to teach her how to live alone, but it's also important because it makes Gogol and Sonia realize the importance of spending time with family.
Do you think Nikhil feels guilty for not going to see his dad off to Ohio and instead, going on a vacation with Maxine?
I think he will feel guilty about not spending any small amount of time with him, especially one right before his heart attack.
In what ways is Maxine a FOIL to Gogol?
She understands her identity unlike Gogol
Does Gogol legally changing his name, in chapter 5, help consolidate his identity?
No, because people still mistake his name for "Gogol" which always reminds him of his past
How does Sonia's choice to move to California and Nikhil's choice to move to New York fit their characters?
Sonia is more outgoing and comfortable in America so it makes sense for her to move so far away. Whereas Nikhil is more interested in learning and career-oriented.
Is Gogol's relationship with Maxine a form of escape?
Yes, he does not have to deal with his parents. Obvious, especially when he does not give his new number to them
After Ashoke dies, Ashima doesn't want to go to India to see family instead she wants to stay in America. Why is this important?
It's a shift in Ashima's character and shows that she now sees America as her home because that is where her husband died.
Do you think Ashoke finally telling Gogol where his name comes from, helps Gogol understand his identity a little bit better?
Yes, helps, but does not resolve
Trains appear in Namesake multiple times. The first one is an accident Ashoke experiences, the second is when Gogol meets Ruth and the third is when Gogol has the accident on a train. Do trains here symbolize something for life?
Trains represent major incidents in the books. Life-changing events, events that change both Ashoke and Gogol.
Will Ashoke's death change Ashima's view of her children or her life?
Yes, I believe she'll view her children as even more precious than before because they are the only family in America that she has.
During a panel in Chapter 5, Gogol learns of what an ABCD is, American Born Confused Desi. Do you think this accurately describes Gogol from what we have seen thus far?
Yes, because he describes himself as conflicted.