The Namesake Chapter 5 Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

What is characterization?

the techniques an author uses to build understanding of a character

What is symbolism?

the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities

What is theme?

the message conveyed by a text that applies to multiple other texts

What is a motif?

<p>a distinctive repeating feature or idea</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a commune?

<p>a body of people or families living together and sharing everything</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does emblematic mean?

<p>standing for another thing</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the root word of chronically?

<p>khronos (Gk)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does khronos (Gk) mean?

<p>time</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the root of perspective?

<p>Specere (L)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Specere (L) mean?

<p>to look</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is situational irony?

<p>occurs when the opposite of what is expected occurs</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is verbal irony?

<p>The use of words to mean something different from what a person says</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is dramatic irony?

<p>when the audience is aware of something that a character in a story is not</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Gogol do at the beginning of chapter five?

<p>Gogol goes to the courthouse to change his name</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does Gogol come up with the idea to change his name?

<p>The idea came to him from an article entitled 'Second Baptisms' that he stumbled upon while waiting in the dentist's office</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who are the first people to call Gogol by his new name?

<p>His suitemates in college: Brandon, a lanky blonde from Massachusetts, and Jonathan, a Korean from L.A. who plays the cello</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the repetition on page 108?

<p>The repetition reinforces how much he likes his new life and possibly the new freedom he has been granted</p> Signup and view all the answers

What class does Gogol not tell his parents he is taking?

<p>Gogol doesn't tell his parents he is taking an art class, which is ironic since his grandfather was an artist</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Gogol's parents want him to be?

<p>His parents want him to be an engineer, doctor, lawyer, or economist</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Sonia and Ashima argue about?

<p>They argue about Sonia's desire to get additional piercings</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe Ruth's upbringing. How is it different from Gogol's?

<p>Ruth was raised in a commune in Vermont and home schooled for many years. Her parents are separated, and she lives with her dad</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Gogol tell his parents about Ruth?

<p>He doesn't tell his parents because he doesn't want to hear them voice their concerns over his not pursuing a Bengali girl</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an ABCD?

<p>It stands for 'American-born, confused Deshi'</p> Signup and view all the answers

What story does Ashoke tell Gogol at the end of chapter five?

<p>Ashoke tells him about the accident on the train, how the book saved him, and how Gogol came to be named</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the quote regarding name changes?

<p>Gogol is trying to convince himself that it will be fine to change his name, emphasizing it is not unheard of</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Gogol learn about Gogol's lifelong unhappiness?

<p>He learns about Gogol's mental instability and how he starved himself to death</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the quote about Gogol’s feelings towards his name?

<p>Gogol doesn't want his name associated with someone of ill repute</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Gogol long for in the quote about his inability to picture someone at the kitchen table?

<p>He is ashamed of who he is and doesn't think she will be accepted by his family</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Gogol wish for as he parts with Ruth?

<p>He desires to be with Ruth</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Gogol tell Ruth about the tea?

<p>He tells her about the tea being bought through the window from men on the platform and drunk in crude clay cups</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.

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