The Namesake Chapter 5 Flashcards

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?

a distinctive repeating feature or idea Signup and view all the answers

What is a commune?

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

What does emblematic mean?

standing for another thing Signup and view all the answers

What is the root word of chronically?

khronos (Gk) Signup and view all the answers

What does khronos (Gk) mean?

time Signup and view all the answers

What is the root of perspective?

Specere (L) Signup and view all the answers

What does Specere (L) mean?

to look Signup and view all the answers

What is situational irony?

occurs when the opposite of what is expected occurs Signup and view all the answers

What is verbal irony?

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

What is dramatic irony?

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

What does Gogol do at the beginning of chapter five?

Gogol goes to the courthouse to change his name Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

What is the purpose of the repetition on page 108?

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

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

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

What do Gogol's parents want him to be?

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

What do Sonia and Ashima argue about?

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

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

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

Why doesn't Gogol tell his parents about Ruth?

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

What is an ABCD?

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

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

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

What is the significance of the quote regarding name changes?

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

What does Gogol learn about Gogol's lifelong unhappiness?

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

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

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

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

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

What does Gogol wish for as he parts with Ruth?

He desires to be with Ruth Signup and view all the answers

What does Gogol tell Ruth about the tea?

He tells her about the tea being bought through the window from men on the platform and drunk in crude clay cups 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.