Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is Ashima's attitude toward marriage?
What is Ashima's attitude toward marriage?
The divergent American and Bengali attitudes toward privacy startle her.
What is significant about the process of betrothal in Indian cultures?
What is significant about the process of betrothal in Indian cultures?
A typical modern arranged marriage involves individuals' parents or older family members screening for and finding prospective mates.
Why didn't Ashoke take his grandfather's advice to see the world through books?
Why didn't Ashoke take his grandfather's advice to see the world through books?
His experience of a train accident and convalescence motivated him to pursue graduate studies abroad and explore the world.
What is symbolic about Ashima's struggle to make her favorite Calcutta snack?
What is symbolic about Ashima's struggle to make her favorite Calcutta snack?
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Who was supposed to choose Ashima and Ashoke's baby's name?
Who was supposed to choose Ashima and Ashoke's baby's name?
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Why doesn't Ashima call her husband Ashoke by his given name?
Why doesn't Ashima call her husband Ashoke by his given name?
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How does Ashoke feel about Ashima's difficulty adjusting to life in Massachusetts?
How does Ashoke feel about Ashima's difficulty adjusting to life in Massachusetts?
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Who are the Montgomerys and how are they different from a typical American family?
Who are the Montgomerys and how are they different from a typical American family?
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What did Ashima's grandmother's last words mean?
What did Ashima's grandmother's last words mean?
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What happens to Ashima on the train that makes her feel connected to Cambridge?
What happens to Ashima on the train that makes her feel connected to Cambridge?
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At Gogol's rice ceremony, which symbolic item did he choose?
At Gogol's rice ceremony, which symbolic item did he choose?
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What is the purpose of pet names in Bengali culture?
What is the purpose of pet names in Bengali culture?
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Study Notes
Ashima's Attitude Toward Marriage
- Ashima is surprised by the contrasting American and Bengali views on privacy within marriage.
- This cultural shock demonstrates her struggle to adapt to her new environment while holding on to her Bengali roots.
Arranged Marriages in Indian Culture
- Arranged marriages are a cultural norm in India, contrasting sharply with the Western ideal of romantic love.
- Families play a crucial role by screening potential partners in their social circles or through matrimonial listings.
Ashoke's Decision to Travel
- Ashoke chooses to explore the world after a life-changing train accident in 1961, despite his grandfather's advice to travel through books.
- This experience during his recovery motivates him to pursue graduate studies abroad.
Ashima's Connection to Calcutta
- Ashima's attempts to recreate her favorite Calcutta snack in Massachusetts symbolize her longing for home.
- The difficulty she faces while preparing the dish reflects her challenges in adjusting to life in America.
Naming Tradition in Bengali Culture
- Bengali tradition holds that Ashima's grandmother is responsible for naming their baby, highlighting the significance of family legacy.
- The naming ceremony is a solemn and meaningful event that underscores cultural values.
Use of Ashoke's Name
- Ashima refrains from using Ashoke's given name, as it holds a sacred significance in Bengali culture.
- This reflects her respect for traditional norms and the emotional weight of names.
Ashoke's Feelings on Ashima's Adjustment
- Ashoke feels happy as he observes Ashima's struggles to acclimatize to life in Massachusetts.
- This happiness may stem from his support for her, even amidst her challenges.
The Montgomery Family
- The Montgomerys are depicted as an intellectual and free-spirited American family living on the second floor of the same building.
- Their periodic visits to Ashima and Ashoke showcase a contrast with traditional, structured family dynamics.
Grandmother's Last Words
- Ashima's grandmother encourages her to embrace new experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery through trying new things.
- This advice reflects the value of exploration and growth, vital for personal fulfillment.
Ashima's Connection to Cambridge
- Ashima feels a profound sense of connection to Cambridge while on the train, experiencing homesickness that intensifies her bond with her new surroundings.
- This moment signifies her ongoing struggle between her old life and new beginnings.
Gogol's Rice Ceremony
- At Gogol's rice ceremony, he hesitates to choose from significant items like soil, a pen, or a dollar, indicating future complexities in his personal and professional life.
- This reluctance foreshadows Gogol's difficulties in defining his identity and aspirations.
Purpose of Pet Names in Bengali Culture
- In Bengali culture, individuals have a daknam (pet name) for personal use and a bhalonam (formal name) for public and professional purposes.
- This dual-naming system reflects the interplay between intimacy and formality in social interactions.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the key themes and character attitudes in the first two chapters of 'The Namesake.' This quiz focuses on the cultural contrasts in marriage perceptions between Indian and American societies as represented in the text.
