Lev - The Namesake

Important Characters:

Ashoke Ganguli - Father of Gogol, Husband to Ashima. While growing up, Ashoke read a lot of Russian literature. One day while he was reading one of his books on a train going to see his grandfather, the train crashed. He was found in the wreckage grasping a page from one of Nikolai Gogol's novels. Ashoke chose to name his son Gogol because he considered surviving the train crash was his first miracle and his son is his second.

Ashima Ganguli - Mother of Gogol, Wife of Ashoke. Ashima and Ashoke had an arranged marriage, and part of the deal of getting married to Ashoke meant for her to move to Boston with him. When Ashima heard this, she immediately agreed. But Ashima hated Boston when they moved there for quiet a long time. What she hated most was the fact that she was all alone, and did not have any family members around her. When Gogol was born, Ashima had something to do, so she changed her mind about America, and started liking it.

Gogol Ganguli - Son of Ashoke and Ashima, Brother of Sonia. When Gogol entered kindergarten, his parents finally chose him a "good name" which was Nikhil. Since Gogol grew up being called Gogol, he refused to have his name changed. He told the principal he wanted to be called Gogol. His parents did not approve but they were to scared and did not know enough English to fight the principal about it.

Sonia Ganguli - Duaghter of Ashoke and Ashima, Sister of Gogol. When Sonia was born, Ashoke and Sonia did not make the mistake of giving her a "home name" as a "good name". She is the more American child; Gogol basically paved the way of independence.

Moushumi - Ashima's bengali friend's duaghter. Moushumi and Gogol had met in their childhood at one of the bengali parties their parents where at. She had lived in France for a while, but then moved back to America.

Main Idea

Two Indian young adults named Ashoke and Ashima have an arranged marriage. Right after their marriage, they move to Boston for Ashoke's teaching position at an University. Both have a hard time adjusting, especially Ashima. With Ashoke always at work, Ashima is left at home with nothing to do. She has never been away from her family before. When Gogol is born, Ashima has many things to do. She begins to like Boston because of all the things she gets to do with baby Gogol. As Gogol gets older, he acts very similar to other American children. Finally Gogol goes away to college where he meets his first girlfriend, Ruth. Their relationship does not last long. Then Gogol meets his second girlfriend, Maxin; this relationship lasts a long time. Gogol even moves in with her and her parents. But nevertheless Gogol and Maxine break up. Suddenly and unexpectadly, Ashoke dies while away in Ohio. This news strikes the Ganguli family very hard. Some time passes, and Ashima sets up Gogol with the duaghter of one of her old friends. They go out, and quiet quickly get married. Seemingly enough the marrage does not last, as Moushumi begins cheating on Gogol. Last of all, Ashima decides to move back to India, and Gogol is left all alone.

Question

Do you think Gogol will be affected by the fact that he is all alone now? Since Ashima has left to India and Sonia has gotten married and moved away.