The majority of what Ashima thinks has to do with her roots in India. the entire first two chapters of The Namesake consists of her opinions on the differences between America and India. Instead of trying to make the best of the situation, she desperately tries to hold on the values and traditions of her Indian culture. Granted, she has only been in the states for a year and a half, and i would imagine it does take some time to adjust from living in India to living in Boston, but even still she has to let go of some of what she is holding on to or else she may be in trouble. She is outstandingly homesick, despite having a new husband and now a baby to come home to every day. This homesickness may cause problems in Ashima and Ashoke's relationship, because Ashoke seems perfectly happy living in the US. Along with these problems, it may set them apart from other Americans, like when they waited days to receive a letter from Ashima's grandmother which contained their baby's name; in which time the nurses at the hospital observed that her diet consisted only of jello and ice cream, earning her the nickname jello-and-ice-cream-lady. Little things like this would continue to build up in a snowball effect the more she clung to her roots. She won't like the little things either, which will make her dislike living in America even more. The simple solution would to just let go.
I think the different opinions on living in America will ultimately affect the newborn's upbringing, as Ashima is disappointed that Gogol is not surrounded by family, and Ashoke is content with the opportunities that living in America will give the child. Being pulled in two different directions would be bad for Gogol, causing him to be confused. As a result, not only will Ashima's homesickness be affecting her own life but also her child's.
Hi Cameron!
ReplyDeleteI really liked your blogpost. I thought you brought up some really good points about how Ashima clinging on to her past might cause not only more problems in her life, but also problems in Gogol's and Ashoke's lives. She kind of reminds me of a way more benevolent Okonkwo since they both think only in the moment, and do not think about the consequences that follow. I think you were totally spot on about how this will possibly cause Ashoke and Ashima to have marital problems. I foreshadow her moving back to India, while he stays in the U.S. As for Gogol, I think his biggest struggle will be pleasing his mother by adopting some of his Indian heritage, but also fitting in by embracing American culture.
The only criticism I have is to put textual support in your blogpost, so I know where you got your ideas. Great overall job though!
-Charlotte
Hi! I really love the topic you chose for your post, because I also have noticed Gogul struggling to show his own identity, or strive to make a new one. I also think he completely changes his personality if he is being called Nikhil verse being called Gogul. He even says he doesn't feel bad about notc calling his parents back when they call because he is Nikhil! Though he prefers the name Nikhil, he doesn't feel as if he is related to his parents when they don't refer to him as Gogol. Great post!
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