The Namesake Chapter 6 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why does Gogol choose to go to Columbia rather than MIT?

Gogol chose to go to Columbia rather than MIT because after 4 years at Yale, he didn't want to move back home to the only city that his parents knew.

When he visited New York for the first time, why did Gogol have 'no sense of what the city was like'?

He had no sense of what the city was like because when his parents went with him as a kid, they went to eat at an Indian restaurant and buy Indian clothes and gifts for people back in Calcutta. They never did any of the touristy stuff.

What is unusual about Maxine's first dinner invitation to Gogol?

Maxine moved back in with her parents after a love affair gone wrong, which Gogol finds endearingly old-fashioned.

How is the meal at Maxine's family's home different from one Gogol's mother would serve?

Gogol's own mother would serve a lot more food and constantly make sure the guest had enough. Signup and view all the answers

When Lydia asks Gogol about Calcutta, what surprises him?

He is surprised that Lydia asks if Calcutta is beautiful. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gogol feel 'effortlessly incorporated into their lives'?

He feels effortlessly incorporated because it's a different lifestyle from that of his parents, who prioritize hospitality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the biggest difference between Gogol and Max?

The biggest difference is that Max has the gift of accepting her life without pressure from her parents. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gogol feel 'that his immersion in Maxine's family is a betrayal of his own'?

He feels this way because her parents are secure in a way his parents never will be. Signup and view all the answers

What are the restrictions Gogol tells Max before they go to his parents' home?

He tells her about all the stuff his parents do. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Gogol embarrassed at the meal his mother prepares?

He's embarrassed at the meal because of the amount of effort his mother put in. Signup and view all the answers

What is the last word Ashoke says to his son?

The last word Ashoke says to his son is 'Gogol'. Signup and view all the answers

How is the New Hampshire cabin 'an unknown world' to Gogol?

It is unknown because it's a kind of vacation he has never been on, with no security and freedom. Signup and view all the answers

How did Gogol's childhood vacations differ from this current vacation?

Childhood vacations were spent in India or places they never intended to visit again, while now they come once a year to the cabin in New Hampshire. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first offensive question that Pamela asks?

The first offensive question is when she asks when he moved from India to America. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gogol's Choice and Background

Gogol opts for Columbia over MIT to avoid returning home after spending four years at Yale.
His childhood visit to New York was limited; his family focused on Indian culture without experiencing tourist attractions.

Maxine's Family Dynamics

Maxine has moved back in with her parents after a failed relationship, which Gogol finds endearingly traditional.
The dinner at Maxine's is less abundant than Gogol's mother's meals; her family's conversations are more casual, catching him off guard.

Perceptions of Calcutta

Lydia surprises Gogol by inquiring if Calcutta is beautiful, contrary to his experiences where people focus on its poverty.

Integration into Maxine’s Family

Gogol feels a sense of ease within Maxine's family due to their less formal hospitality compared to his parents, who prioritize maximum comfort for guests.
The key difference between Gogol and Maxine is her acceptance of her life circumstances, while his parents exert pressure on him.

Feelings of Betrayal and Dependence

Gogol feels that being part of Maxine's secure family is a betrayal to his own heritage and upbringing.
Alone with Maxine, he feels dependent rather than adult because he lacks ownership over shared possessions in her home.

Conversations and Relationships

Gogol outlines specific aspects of his family life to Maxine, and feels she loves him regardless of those traits.
He experiences embarrassment at the effort and traditional dinner his mother prepares, highlighting a cultural divide.

Final Words and Security

Ashoke’s last word to Gogol is the name 'Gogol,' mistakenly calling him instead of Nikhil.
The New Hampshire cabin is a new experience for Gogol, contrasting with the constant security and locked doors of his parents' home.

Comparison of Vacations

Childhood vacations involved trips to India and transient lodging, while this New Hampshire cabin represents a stable getaway visited annually.

Encounter with Racial Assumptions

Pamela asks an offensive question about Gogol's immigration background, provoking annoyance due to her underlying racist assumptions regarding his identity.

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Description

Explore key concepts and vocabulary from Chapter 6 of 'The Namesake' through these flashcards. Each card delves into Gogol's experiences and decisions, providing insight into his character and the story's themes. Perfect for reviewing important details and enhancing comprehension.