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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'?
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What does 'elusive' mean?
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What are inscriptions?
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What does 'obsolete' refer to?
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What is a samosa?
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Define a tandoori.
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What is a simile?
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What is a symbol?
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What is a motif?
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What evidence suggests Ashima is trying to remind Gogol of his heritage?
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What is the 'good' name Gogol is to be called upon entering kindergarten? What does it mean?
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What is Ashoke's new job? How does this change affect their lives?
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Ashima compares being a foreigner to what? How are the two similar?
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What details in the opening pages of chapter three suggest that the couple is becoming 'Americanized'?
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What do they name the new baby? What 'type' of name is it? What does it mean?
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What is possibly important to Gogol about the names on the tombstones in the cemetery?
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What does the quote about Ashima's pregnancy suggest about the family?
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What do pet names signify according to the quote?
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What is the Bengali custom regarding names?
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Why is Gogol resistant to a new name?
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What does Gogol's learning to eat on his own signify?
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What does Ashima teach Gogol about Tagore's poem and the names of deities?
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What does Gogol understand about his own burial customs?
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What does Ashoke's action of stopping to wear a wristwatch indicate?
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What does Gogol discover about his name at school?
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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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.