The Namesake Chapter 3 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the meaning of the word 'despondent'?

In low spirits from loss of hope or courage.

What does the word 'pensive' mean?

Thoughtful.

What does 'discreetly' imply?

Without drawing attention.

What is the meaning of 'truncate'?

To shorten. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'elusive' mean?

Difficult to find, catch, or achieve. Signup and view all the answers

What are inscriptions?

Words inscribed, as on a monument or in a book. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'obsolete' refer to?

Out-of-date, no longer in use. Signup and view all the answers

What is a samosa?

A fried or baked dish popular in India. Signup and view all the answers

Define a tandoori.

A method of preparing food, particularly chicken, in India. Signup and view all the answers

What is a simile?

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things, often using the words 'like' or 'as.' Signup and view all the answers

What is a symbol?

An object, person, or situation that has a meaning other than its literal meaning. Signup and view all the answers

What is a motif?

A recurring element that has symbolic significance. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests Ashima is trying to remind Gogol of his heritage?

She sends him to Bengali language and culture classes on Saturdays and makes him look through photo albums of his relatives in India. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'good' name Gogol is to be called upon entering kindergarten? What does it mean?

His good name is Nikhil, which means 'entire' or 'encompassing all.' Signup and view all the answers

What is Ashoke's new job? How does this change affect their lives?

Ashoke's new job is as an assistant professor of electrical engineering at the university. They move to the suburbs outside of Boston where they are the only Bengalis. Signup and view all the answers

Ashima compares being a foreigner to what? How are the two similar?

She compares it to pregnancy because they both elicit the 'same curiosity from strangers, the same combination of pity and respect.' Signup and view all the answers

What details in the opening pages of chapter three suggest that the couple is becoming 'Americanized'?

The couple's garage looks the same as the others in the neighborhood, they purchase a summer barbeque, learn to roast turkeys for Thanksgiving, and paint eggs for Easter. Signup and view all the answers

What do they name the new baby? What 'type' of name is it? What does it mean?

They name the new baby Sonali, meaning 'she who is golden.' Signup and view all the answers

What is possibly important to Gogol about the names on the tombstones in the cemetery?

The names are so unusual that they provide Gogol with a sense of comfort knowing that he is not alone. Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote about Ashima's pregnancy suggest about the family?

The family is expanding, and they will not make the same mistakes they made with Gogol. Signup and view all the answers

What do pet names signify according to the quote?

Pet names are for family and close friends to use only. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Bengali custom regarding names?

All names must be unique and given specially to the child. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Gogol resistant to a new name?

He has only known Gogol. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gogol's learning to eat on his own signify?

He has been taught the customs of his people, but the American inside of him ignores it. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ashima teach Gogol about Tagore's poem and the names of deities?

She teaches him the old stories she may have learned as a child. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gogol understand about his own burial customs?

Gogol wants to feel closer to the people buried in the graveyard, but the Bengali tradition of burning their dead lingers in his mind. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ashoke's action of stopping to wear a wristwatch indicate?

Ashoke doesn't need his watch anymore; Americans are obsessed with time and there are clocks everywhere. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gogol discover about his name at school?

It has been shortened to GANG. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vocabulary Terms

Despondent: Feeling low due to loss of hope or courage.
Pensive: Engaged in deep thought.
Discreetly: Acting in a manner that avoids drawing attention.
Truncate: To shorten something by cutting it off.
Elusive: Hard to find or catch; difficult to achieve.
Inscriptions: Words engraved on surfaces like monuments or books.
Obsolete: No longer in use; outdated.

Cultural References

Samosas: A popular fried or baked dish in Indian cuisine.
Tandoori: A traditional cooking method for food, especially chicken, in India.

Literary Terms

Simile: A figure of speech that compares two unlike things, using “like” or “as.”
Symbol: An object or situation representing something beyond its literal meaning.
Motif: A recurring element that carries symbolic significance.

Family Heritage

Evidence of Ashima's efforts to remind Gogol about his Bengali heritage includes sending him to cultural classes and showing him photo albums of relatives.
Gogol's "good" name is Nikhil, meaning "entire" or "encompassing all," to be used when he starts kindergarten.

Life Changes

Ashoke becomes an assistant professor of electrical engineering leading to their move to an all-Bengali suburb outside Boston.

Feelings of Foreignness

Ashima equates being a foreigner to pregnancy, both attracting curiosity from others accompanied by a blend of pity and respect.

Americanization

The couple gradually adopts American customs: their garage matches neighbors, they purchase a summer barbecue, learn to roast turkeys, and decorate for Christmas.

New Family Dynamics

The couple names their new baby Sonali, meaning "she who is golden."

Identity Exploration

Names on tombstones comfort Gogol by demonstrating he is not the only one with an unusual name.
As Ashima’s second pregnancy progresses, they resolve not to repeat past mistakes with Gogol.

Cultural Significance of Names

Pet names are reserved for family and friends, while unique names in Bengali culture are sacred and not inherited.
Gogol expresses resistance to a new name, feeling an attachment to his given name.

Cultural Customs vs. American Identity

Gogol internalizes cultural customs while his American identity creates a disconnect, missing his mother's presence.
His mother teaches him cultural stories and religious figures, emphasizing family traditions.

Themes of Life and Death

Gogol confronts the idea of burial practices, learning he would be cremated rather than buried, reflecting on death and tradition.

Perceptions of Time

Ashoke no longer feels the need for a watch, highlighting American society's preoccupation with time through the abundance of clocks in his environment.

Discrimination Experiences

Gogol encounters discrimination when a bus stop name transition reflects negative attitudes from neighbors following Halloween.

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Description

Test your vocabulary knowledge with these flashcards from Chapter 3 of The Namesake. Each card features a word and its definition, helping you enhance your understanding of the text. Perfect for students looking to reinforce key concepts from this chapter.