THE NAMESAKE (Book Review Sample)

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Subject Date The Namesake – Jhumpa Lahiri Chapter Six We can see a collision of places and cultures through Gogol and Maxine. In the chapter, the friendship between Gogol and Maxine becomes one of the novel's central story aspects. The closest comparison between Maxine's upbringing and Gogol's is a perfect example. Maxine’s parents are not immigrants, in contrast to Gogol's parents who came to the America as children. They are well-read New Yorkers who are up to date on the latest political scandals, art shows, and literary issues. They drink copious amounts of wine and talk around the dining table late into the night. To analyze the aspect of sense and belonging, we look at the element of change. The change enables us to see how the characters accept and resist the changing scenario of their lives. Even though Ashima occasionally yearns for life in Calcutta, she acknowledges that she and her family have built a new life and home in the United States. In a way, her needs for love, fulfillment, and company never alter. However, the environment and setting in which these aspirations are satisfied differ. Therefore, she shifts from resistance to acceptance. Gogol is also comfortable and accepts the changes. Our lives are full of change, and it is usually crucial that we learn to accept them, as Stagl narrates in her Ted talk (Talks). The Ganguli family shares a lot of similarities with the typical American family. Most American families are immigrants struggling to incorporate their original cultures and those of America. An important quote in the chapter is by Gogol, where the book narrates, “Here at Maxine’s side, in this cloistered wilderness, he is free.” Here, Gogol desires to shed himself on the expectations and traditions of his parents. He admires that Maxine can do whatever they want without consequences. Chapter Seven The Ganguli family experienced a significant period of change in Chapter 7. Of course, the most shocking event is Ashoke's sudden demise, reminiscent of Ashima's father's similarly shocking demise in Chapter 2. Before Ashoke left for Ohio that summer, Gogol did not want to return home to visit his parents. Gogol took great pleasure in thinking of the Ratliff’s as his adopted family in New Hampshire. However, following Ashoke's passing, Gogol is forced to face his family's presence in Boston, his mother's sorrow, and his responsibilities as a son. Bengali customs represent these duties for Gogol. Perhaps the customs are not so significant to him in and of themselves; Gogol does not suddenly become a devout follower of Bengali religious customs. However, he values the ceremonial elements of his father's grieving period. He is reminded of the previous family get-togethers the Ganguli's had, as well as his family's connections with other families in the neighborhood and with their blood relatives in Calcutta. As a result, Gogol's loss of Ashoke causes him to become more connected to his other relatives. Maxine does her best to communicate to Gogol his sadness and care for his wellness as she could imagine her own under similar circumstances, even though she doesn't always comprehend the rites...