In Jhumpa Lahiri's, "The Namesake," the importance of someone's name and heritage is made evident. Gogol, a dynamic character, eventually reaches an age where he is legally able to change his name. Without hesitation, he does. From his Russian pet name, "Gogol," he becomes, "Nikhil." During the process of changing and adjusting to his new name, Gogol experiences doubt and regret. His first shreds of doubts arise when he undergoes the legal procedure required to change his name. He seems to expect something more ceremonial or exciting, but the process is exceedingly bland. Moreover, it takes Gogol a long while to acclimate to being Nikhil. Gogol is a decidedly non-Indian name, however, he changes his name to an Indian one. Interestingly enough, Gogol decides he doesn't fit in the Indian Association at Yale, even though he has just changed his name so he is able to conform to such a group. In all fairness, Gogol was made uncomfortable for having such a name. During a high school english class, the teacher recounts the pathetic, depressing life of the russian author Nikolai Gogol. The connection between the author and our Indian Gogol (obviously) causes great discomfort for Gogol.
Nikhil encounters the mysterious gender of women as well. It starts with his first kiss in high school, and by chapter 5, Nikhil is dating another girl attending Yale. Alas, the relationship is tumultuous at best. His newfound love departs for a study abroad program in London. Unfortunately for Nikhil, she stays the summer as well. They inevitably split up upon her return. To compound the sadness, a man commits suicide on the train tracks ahead of Nikhil's train. This act is symbolic of many things, particularly poignant for Nikhil's father. Nikhil's father is somewhat distraught upon his return. Death associated with trains evokes deep seeded trauma for Nikhil's father. Consequently, he is thankful upon his son's return.
Thus far, "The Namesake" is a novel exploring the life of the immigrant and assimilation into another culture, especially the America. The juxtaposition of Nikhil, who is thoroughly American and his parents allows for an accurate rendering of the trials and troubles of joining another culture.
Nice point how Gogol/Nikhil changes his name to an Indian name, but doesn't feel comfortable in the Indian affinity group at Yale. That's an interesting contradiction. I read it not as feeding into his Indian heritage, but rather trying to go down a path he never had the chance to go down by using the name he was supposed to have. So in my opinion, if for anyone, not for his Indian heritage, but at the very least for his parents.
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