The Namesake Chapter 5 Flashcards

Literary Terms

• Characterization: Techniques used by authors to develop characters' personalities and traits.
• Symbolism: The practice of using symbols to convey deeper meanings or represent ideas and qualities.
• Theme: The underlying message or central idea in a text, often reflecting a conflict or argument, and cannot be encapsulated in a single word.
• Motif: A recurring element or idea that has significance in a literary work.
• Commune: A group of people or families living together, sharing resources and responsibilities.
• Emblematic: Representing or symbolizing something else.

Etymology

• Chronic: Derived from the Greek word "khronos," meaning time.
• Perspective: Traced back to the Latin "Specere," meaning to look.

Irony Types

• Situational Irony: Occurs when the outcome is opposite of what is expected.
• Verbal Irony: When words are used in a way that conveys a different meaning than what is literally said.
• Dramatic Irony: A situation where the audience knows more than the characters do.

Gogol’s Journey

• Gogol starts chapter five by deciding to change his name at the courthouse.
• The inspiration for the name change comes from an article titled "Second Baptisms."
• His college suitemates, Brandon and Jonathan, are the first to use his new name.

Family Dynamics

• Gogol keeps his art class a secret from his parents, ironic due to his grandfather’s artistic background.
• His parents envision careers for him as an engineer, doctor, lawyer, or economist, showing cultural expectations.
• Sonia and Ashima argue over Sonia's desire for additional piercings, hinting at generational differences.

Relationships

• Ruth, raised in a commune, has a vastly different upbringing compared to Gogol's traditional family life.
• Gogol avoids telling his parents about Ruth to escape their concerns regarding his choice to date outside his culture.

Cultural Identity

• The term ABCD refers to “American-born, confused Deshi,” highlighting the dual identity struggles of American-born children of Indian immigrants.
• Ashoke shares a personal story about the train accident and Gogol's name, connecting personal history to identity.

Quotes and Significance

• Gogol rationalizes his name change by noting historical precedents for name changes among various groups, indicating a personal struggle for acceptance.
• Acknowledgment of Gogol's namesake's genius underlines the pressure of reputation and identity.
• Gogol’s reluctance to interact with Ruth highlights his internal conflict about cultural identity and familial acceptance.
• His feelings for Ruth are evident when he hesitates to ask for her number, illustrating the tension between his desires and cultural expectations.
• Sharing his Indian experiences with Ruth emphasizes Gogol's appreciation for his culture through the lens of his relationship, revealing the complexities of his identity.

This quiz covers key literary concepts from Chapter 5 of 'The Namesake'. It includes important terms such as characterization, symbolism, and theme, providing definitions to enhance understanding. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their knowledge of literary analysis.