The Namesake Chapters 10-12 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What three achievements does Moushumi celebrate in 1999?

Moushumi has passed her exams for her PhD, won a fellowship to go to Paris, and has kept her decision to decline the scholarship a secret from Gogol.

What thoughts run through Moushumi's mind about Nikhil?

Moushumi feels a sense of freedom in courting Nikhil but also struggles with the expectations placed upon her.

What happens to Moushumi on the first day of classes at NYU?

There is an ambulance parked outside, and Moushumi learns that one of her coworkers, Alice, has fainted.

What is Moushumi's past history with Dimitri Desjardins?

Moushumi met Dimitri in high school and he gave her the nickname 'mouse'. Signup and view all the answers

How does Moushumi write Dimitri Desjardins's name and phone number down in her agenda?

She writes down the number in a secret code but ends up writing 'D'. Signup and view all the answers

What does Moushumi do the following week?

Moushumi has an affair with Dimitri. Signup and view all the answers

What thoughts run through Nikhil's mind about his marriage to Moushumi while his wife is away?

Nikhil worries that he is not making Moushumi happy enough. Signup and view all the answers

On what occasion did Nikhil and Moushumi meet Ben?

They met Ben on Thanksgiving. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of book does Nikhil decide to buy Moushumi for Christmas?

He buys her a book full of pictures and agriculture of Italy. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nikhil feel when the doorman tells him that Moushumi has just returned?

He feels jealous. Signup and view all the answers

Why has Ashima sold the house on Pemberton Road?

She sold it because Sonia is getting married and she will be alone. Signup and view all the answers

What information about Moushumi and Gogol's relationship do we learn from Ashima's thoughts?

The relationship was not completely happy or satisfactory. Signup and view all the answers

How did Nikhil learn of Moushumi's unfaithfulness?

She accidentally mentions Dimitri in conversation. Signup and view all the answers

In the train ride from New York to Boston, how does the author's use of the image of the overcoat connect with Gogol's return 'home'?

The overcoat symbolizes Gogol's identity and his struggles with self-reinvention. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways has Gogol come to appreciate his parents' courage?

He recognizes the sacrifices they made while distancing himself from his family. Signup and view all the answers

What book does Gogol find in his room?

The Short Stories of Nikolai Gogol. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Moushumi's Achievements

In 1999, Moushumi celebrates passing her PhD exams and receiving a fellowship to study in Paris but secretly declines the latter due to her marriage to Gogol.
Moushumi keeps her award and aspirations secret from Gogol, highlighting her internal conflict regarding their relationship.

Moushumi's Reflections on Nikhil

Moushumi experiences conflicting emotions about Gogol, feeling pressured to conform to traditional roles as a Bengali housewife.
Initially, she felt excitement dating Nikhil, appreciating the predictable future and parental support, which contrasts with her feeling of losing independence.

First Day at NYU

An ambulance is parked outside Moushumi's class, indicating a crisis, as Alice, a worker, has fainted and subsequently dies.
In the aftermath, Moushumi takes on Alice's unfinished tasks, discovering Dimitri's resume in the process.

Relationship with Dimitri Desjardins

Moushumi met Dimitri in high school; he nicknames her "mouse" and makes sexual advances towards her.

Moushumi's Secretive Behavior

While feeling guilty, Moushumi writes down Dimitri's contact details in a coded manner to conceal her actions from Nikhil.
She searches for "The Red and the Black," a book linked to her first love note from Dimitri, representing her emotional attachment to that moment.

Moushumi's Affair

Moushumi engages in an affair with Dimitri, which Nikhil discovers during a train ride to visit family for Christmas.

Nikhil's Insecurities

Reflecting on his marriage while Moushumi is away, Nikhil doubts his ability to make her happy and questions her feelings toward him.

Meeting Ben

Nikhil and Moushumi meet Ben during Thanksgiving; he is half Jewish, half Chinese, an English-speaking editor, creating cultural adjustments in family interactions.

Christmas Gift for Moushumi

Nikhil selects a book on Italy as a Christmas gift, envisioning a trip that represents a break from their usual lives, but sees a flock of pigeons as a sign against the trip.

Nikhil's Jealousy

Upon learning of Moushumi's return, Nikhil feels a surge of jealousy, indicating tension in their relationship.

Ashima's New Lifestyle

Ashima sells her home as Sonia is getting married, choosing to live half the year in Calcutta and the other in the U.S., embodying a life without borders.

Ashima's Acceptance of Nikhil and Moushumi's Divorce

Ashima recognizes that Moushumi and Gogol's marriage lacks fulfillment, accepting their decision to part ways as practical in contemporary society.

Discovery of Unfaithfulness

Nikhil learns about Moushumi’s affair when she carelessly mentions Dimitri, reflecting negatively on his past decisions and relationships.

Gogol's Reflection During Train Ride

On a train ride, Gogol feels a connection to his family's past and recognizes his parents' resilience in establishing a life far from India.

Gogol’s Realization of Family Ties

Eventually, Gogol acknowledges his parents' sacrifices and reassesses his distance from family, contemplating his identity and heritage.

Gogol Finds a Book

In his room, Gogol discovers "The Short Stories of Nikolai Gogol," with a personal inscription, starting to read "The Overcoat," linking to themes of identity.

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Description

Explore the pivotal moments in Chapters 10-12 of 'The Namesake' through these insightful flashcards. Each card delves into the achievements and secrets of Moushumi as she navigates her academic journey and personal relationships. Test your understanding of character development and thematic elements in this engaging literary quiz.