Namesake Chapter 11 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Where is Moushumi?

Palm Beach

What did she forget to pack?

Her bathing suit

Does Gogol know something is wrong?

He does not suspect an affair but he knows that marriage is not doing well

How does he deal with his concerns?

He goes to work to think about something else Signup and view all the answers

What did M&G do for Thanksgiving?

They hosted Sonia and her new boyfriend Ben for Thanksgiving Signup and view all the answers

How did Gogol feel about Thanksgiving?

He felt odd to be in charge of family gatherings Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gogol not know what to get Moushumi for Christmas?

She has not hinted about anything she wants Signup and view all the answers

What does Gogol see that gives him an idea for a gift?

He sees pigeons Signup and view all the answers

What does he decide to give her?

He decides to get them tickets to Italy and buys a travel book Signup and view all the answers

Do they go on the trip?

False Signup and view all the answers

When does Gogol meet Ben?

He meets him at Thanksgiving Signup and view all the answers

What are Ben's origins?

He is half Jewish and half Chinese Signup and view all the answers

What language does Ben speak?

He speaks only English Signup and view all the answers

What is Ben's job?

He is an editor at a paper Signup and view all the answers

What did Gogol find attractive about Moushumi when they met?

He loved that she was adventurous and willing to do things on her own Signup and view all the answers

What does he see that reminds him of this?

Her passport photo Signup and view all the answers

What does Gogol realize about his parents and how they compare to him?

He realizes that his parents were more adventurous than him - willing to come to a new country and build a life for themselves Signup and view all the answers

How were Gogol and Ashoke similar?

They were both quiet and spent time with themselves doing their work Signup and view all the answers

How were Gogol and Ashoke different?

Ashoke seemed content with his life while Gogol is unsatisfied, wanting something he does not have but not knowing what that is Signup and view all the answers

What does the coldness of the apartment represent?

The cold of the apartment represents the distance that is now between Gogol and Moushumi as well as Gogol realizing that his life has been relatively empty Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marriage Ends

Moushumi is in Palm Beach during this chapter.
She forgot to pack her bathing suit.
Gogol senses something is wrong in the marriage but does not suspect an affair.
To cope, he immerses himself in work to divert his thoughts.

Thanksgiving & Christmas

Gogol and Moushumi hosted Thanksgiving for Sonia and her boyfriend, Ben.
Gogol felt uneasy managing family gatherings.
He struggles to find a Christmas gift for Moushumi as she has not expressed any desires.
An encounter with pigeons inspires him to buy her tickets to Italy and a travel book.
The couple ultimately does not go on the trip.

Ben

Gogol meets Ben during Thanksgiving.
Ben's background is a mix of Jewish and Chinese heritage.
His primary language is English.
He works as an editor at a publication.

Self-Reflection

Gogol was attracted to Moushumi's adventurous spirit and independence when they first met.
A passport photo of Moushumi reminds him of her adventurous nature.
Gogol comes to realize his parents were more adventurous than he is, having immigrated and established a new life.

Gogol and Ashoke

Gogol and Ashoke share a quiet demeanor and enjoy spending time alone engaged in work.
While Ashoke appears content with his life, Gogol feels unfulfilled and is uncertain about what he truly desires.

Motif

The coldness of the apartment symbolizes the emotional distance between Gogol and Moushumi, reflecting Gogol's realization of his comparatively empty life.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Chapter 11 of The Namesake through these flashcards. Test your understanding of the events and emotions surrounding Gogol and Moushumi's marriage dynamics during the holiday season. This quiz will help reinforce your knowledge of the characters' struggles and decisions.