Goshumi

While reading Chapter 8 of The Namesake, one critical question came to mind:

Why does Jhumpa Lahiri have Gogol and Moushumi fall in love?

I mean, throughout their lives both of them struggle with the idea of self-determination.  They don't want to do everything their parents tell them to and live the way their parents lived.  They had both been "admonished to marry an American" (213).  Moushumi even says that "by the time she was twelve she had made a pact, with two other Bengali girls she knew, never to marry a Bengali man" (213).  So then why should the two of them, who were set up by their parents, end up falling in love?  Why should they end up following in their parents' footsteps, doing exactly what their parents want them to do, instead of creating their own paths?

Well, I have a little theory...

I think that Lahiri is definitely saying that you shouldn't let others oppress you and tell you how to live your life.  However, if you only do things to spite others, that's a whole new kind of oppression-- except this time, you're the one oppressing yourself... kind of a flashback to the Underground Man, am I right?

So, the moral of the story is this:

You shouldn't live your life only doing what others tell you to do.  However, you also shouldn't live your life only doing what others tell you not to do.  In the end, it's your life and not anyone else's, so just do what makes you happy.

But that's just my opinion.  What do you think?

Gogol vs. Nikhil

The topic of today's blogpost:  Gogol or Nikhil?  Was it wrong of Gogol to change his name, or was it for the best?

Well let's take a look at both sides:

For one thing, he did change his name without even knowing the true reason behind his original name.  He goes through his childhood and teenage years knowing his namesake as some pathetic writer with mental instability issues.  It doesn't help that the original Gogol starved himself to death and probably died a virgin.

When Gogol is finally told the real reason behind his name, he feels instantly "awkward [and] oddly ashamed" (124).  He tells his father that "[he] should have told [him]" (124), suggesting that, had he known the whole story, he might not have changed his name.

To me, it feels like Gogol is his real identity.  This whole "Nikhil" business feels kind of forced.

However, if he feels braver and more confident as Nikhil, then shouldn't he be allowed to choose?  Nikhil sure seems to be more of a badass than Gogol, which can be taken as a good thing or a bad thing.

I have to admit that I'd been more of a fan of Gogol myself-- up until the last part of Chapter 6, at least. When he meets Pamela, she seems to make a lot of assumptions based on his heritage.  She assumes that because he's Indian he must never get sick and says that "[she'd] think the climate wouldn't affect [him], given [his] heritage" (157).  However, Lydia intervenes, insisting that he's American, not Indian.  He was born in America.

There are certain stereotypes and assumptions connected with Gogol's heritage.  Your heritage is something that you're born with, not something you choose.  It doesn't determine who you are as a person-- you choose who you want to be.

Therefore, why shouldn't Gogol be able to choose his name?  He shouldn't have to stick with the name he was born with if he doesn't feel it suits him... right?


So Gogol or Nikhil?  What do you think?

T h e N a m e s a k e

While reading The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, I found myself fascinated by the relationship between the two main characters: Ashoke and Ashima. I am completely aware that marriage issues is not the main theme Jhumpa Lahiri is trying to convey, yet I couldn't help but notice the difficult question raised by the relationship between the two of them:

In order for a marriage to be successful, do both parties have to be "meant for each other" from the start?  Does it need to be sparked by undoubtable love and affection?  Or can two completely different people ultimately grow together through the hardships they endure and eventually find love once they've shared enough of their lives with each other?

It's clear from the start that Ashoke and Ashima don't exactly "hit it off".  I mean, the poor girl didn't even learn his name until after the betrothal (Lahiri 9).  Not that she ever really uses it.  Lahiri writes that "instead of Ashoke's name, [Ashima] utters the interrogative that has come to replace it, which translates roughly as 'Are you listening to me?' " (2).  None of this is really a surprise seeing as she didn't choose her husband-- he was chosen for her.

However, just because they don't exactly "click" doesn't mean that they're bad people.  In fact, Ashoke can often be very caring.  For example, "before [Ashoke] left for the university he would leave a cup of tea by the side of the bed" (11) while she slept during her pregnancy.  She wouldn't drink it, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Perhaps they would be happier together under different circumstances.  The main difference that takes a tole on their relationship is their feelings about America.  Ashima absolutely hates it and feels completely homesick.  Poor Ashoke "[feels] at fault, for marrying her, for bringing her [there]" (33), but at the same time he can't leave.  Her greatest regret is coming, and his would be going back.  This dilemma doesn't really allow them to connect much with each other.

The first year of their son's birth is not an easy one.  Are all the hardships weighing on their relationship, or is it only strengthening their bond?  What do you think?