Questions and Answers
What does Ashima do at the start of Chapter 7?
Addressing handmade Christmas cards
How old is Ashima in Chapter 7?
48
Where does Ashima work in Chapter 7?
Public library
Does Ashima like her job?
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Is Ashima becoming more independent with Ashoke gone?
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Where does Ashoke die?
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What does Ashoke say is wrong when he calls Ashima from the hospital?
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Why does Ashima call the hospital?
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What does Ashima do when she learns that Ashoke has died?
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How does Ashima explain to herself why Ashoke accepted the one-year fellowship in Cleveland?
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Is Ashima able to reach Gogol to tell him about his father's death immediately?
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Why does Gogol go to Cleveland?
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What does Ashima tell Gogol to do with his dad's things?
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Does Gogol throw everything away when cleaning out his dad's apartment?
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Does Maxine go with Gogol to Cleveland after Ashoke dies?
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How does Gogol get to the hospital?
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How does Gogol get to his dad's apartment?
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Where does Maxine think Gogol should sleep after cleaning his dad's apartment?
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What did Gogol remember about what his dad did when his grandfather died?
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How does the family mourn Ashoke?
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What happens on the eleventh day of mourning?
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What does Gogol do in front of a picture of his father?
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Does Maxine come to the family gathering after Ashoke's death?
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Does Gogol go to New Hampshire for New Year's after Ashoke's death?
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Does Sonia return to California after Ashoke's death?
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How does Ashoke's death change how Gogol thinks about his family?
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How does Ashoke's death change how Gogol thinks about Maxine?
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How does Nikhil respond to Maxine when she suggests that he should get 'away' from 'all this'?
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What does Gogol daydream about on the train back to Penn Station?
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What did Gogol's dad forget on their trip?
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What does Gogol's dad ask of him?
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What are some of the important themes of Chapter 7?
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Study Notes
Ashima's Independence
- Ashima begins Chapter 7 by making handmade Christmas cards.
- At 48 years old, she works at a public library and enjoys her job.
- Ashima is becoming more independent since Ashoke's passing, evidenced by her new friendships, though Ashoke still supports her with finances and home chores.
Ashoke's Death
- Ashoke dies in Cleveland; he calls Ashima from the hospital citing an upset stomach.
- Ashima's concern leads her to call the hospital after not hearing back from Ashoke.
- Upon learning of his death, Ashima hangs up the phone without further communication.
Ashima's Reflection on Ashoke's Fellowship
- Ashima rationalizes Ashoke's choice to accept a one-year fellowship in Cleveland, believing he wanted her to experience solitude.
Gogol's Response to Ashoke's Death
- Initially, Ashima cannot reach Gogol as he is out on a date.
- Gogol travels to Cleveland to clean out Ashoke's apartment, where Ashima instructs him to dispose of his father's belongings.
- Although Gogol discards many items, he sets aside others for giving away.
- Maxine shows interest in accompanying Gogol but he prefers to handle the situation alone.
Gogol's Journey in Cleveland
- Gogol uses a taxi to reach the hospital and later drives his father's rental car to Ashoke's apartment.
- Maxine suggests he stay in a hotel, but Gogol opts to sleep on the couch.
- He recalls that his father shaved his head when his grandfather passed away.
Mourning Process
- Ashima's family refrains from eating fish or meat for eleven days as part of their mourning.
- On the eleventh day, a memorial service takes place, attended by friends, where scriptures are recited.
- Gogol kneels before a picture of his father during the service as a gesture of remembrance.
- Maxine does attend the family gathering after Ashoke's death.
Family Dynamics Post-Ashoke's Death
- Gogol remains in Boston with Ashima and Sonia instead of going to New Hampshire for New Year's.
- Sonia stays in the Boston area instead of returning to California.
- Ashoke's death deepens Gogol’s awareness of familial responsibilities and connections.
Gogol's Relationship with Maxine
- The death of Ashoke prompts Gogol to reevaluate his relationship with Maxine, highlighting the differences in their familial backgrounds.
- Gogol feels frustrated when Maxine suggests escaping from his family's situation, as she did not know his father well.
Gogol's Daydream
- On a train journey back to Penn Station, Gogol daydreams about a trip to Cape Cod with his father.
- He recalls that Ashoke forgot to bring his camera, asking Gogol to cherish the memory of their walk.
Central Themes in Chapter 7
- Key themes include the cycle of birth and death, and the contrast between Bengali traditions and American culture.
- The narrative highlights solitude and the importance of human bonds, reflecting on Gogol's ties to his Bengali family versus his inherent American connections.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 7 from 'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri with these flashcards. This chapter covers the character developments of Ashima and Ashoke, exploring themes of independence and grief. Assess your understanding of key events and discussions within the chapter.
