The Namesake Character and Theme Analysis

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri follows the Ganguli family, Indian immigrants in the U.S. Ashoke and Ashima struggle with cultural adaptation, while their son Gogol grapples with his identity. Named after Nikolai Gogol, Gogol resents his name and changes it to Nikhil. His journey through relationships and cultural duality leads to self-discovery. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and cultural assimilation.

Who is the author of 'The Namesake'?

• Jhumpa Lahiri

• Arundhati Roy

• Vikram Seth

• Salman Rushdie

Where do Ashoke and Ashima first live in the United States?

• Cambridge, Massachusetts

• Chicago

• New York

• San Francisco

What is the significance of the name 'Gogol'?

• It is a common Indian name.

• It was Ashima's grandmother's suggestion.

• It is the name of a famous Russian author.

• It was Ashoke's favorite name.

What is Gogol's official name when he starts kindergarten?

• Sonia

• Ashoke

• Nikhil

• Gogol

Why does Gogol decide to change his name legally?

• He wants to honor his father.

• He dislikes the name 'Gogol'.

• He wants to fit in better at school.

• His parents insisted on it.

Who is Gogol's first love during his college years?

• Maxine

• Sonia

• Moushumi

• Ruth

What field does Gogol study in college?

• History

• Engineering

• Literature

• Architecture

How does Gogol's father's death affect him?

• He becomes more distant from his family.

• He finds comfort in Bengali traditions.

• He moves back to India.

• He changes his name back to Gogol.

What is the main reason for Gogol and Moushumi's marriage troubles?

• Moushumi's affair

• Cultural differences

• Gogol's career choices

• Financial issues

What does Gogol find in his room that makes him reflect on his past?

• His childhood toys

• A copy of Nikolai Gogol's stories

• A family photo album

• A letter from his father