The Namesake Chapters 5-6 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Where does Gogol pursue his undergraduate studies?

Yale

What decision does Gogol make about his name before leaving home?

He is going to change his name to Nikhil

What reasons does Gogol give his parents for his decision to change his name?

Gogol tells his parents it would be the same name they'd chosen for him when he was five.

What courses does Gogol take in his first semester at college?

Intro to the history of art, medieval history, a semester of Spanish and astronomy. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Gogol tell his parents about the fifth course he takes in drawing?

Gogol does not tell his parents as they would consider the class frivolous. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of career are Gogol's parents hoping he will choose?

Security and respect. Signup and view all the answers

To what field does the drawing class lead Gogol?

He wants to study architecture. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Gogol meet on the train between New Haven and Boston before Thanksgiving in his sophomore year?

He meets Ruth, a fellow student from Yale. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gogol find his own upbringing 'bland' in comparison with Ruth's?

He cannot imagine coming from such parents, so feels his own upbringing is bland. Signup and view all the answers

What ensues after Thanksgiving break between Gogol and Ruth?

Gogol begins to meet her after class, they study together in the library and in time become a couple. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sonia seem to be more 'American' than Gogol was at her age?

Sonia asserts her independence from her family and behaves like a typical American adolescent. Signup and view all the answers

How does Gogol's meeting with his cousin Amit give us a clear view of his conflict with his cultural identity?

Gogol learns about the term ABCD which stands for American-born confused deshi. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gogol spend Thanksgiving of his senior year alone with his father?

Gogol and Ruth are no longer together as his mother and Sonia had gone to India for three weeks. Signup and view all the answers

What happens on Gogol's train ride to Boston that causes Ashoke to tell him the full history of his name?

A suicide had been committed, a person had jumped in front of the train. Signup and view all the answers

How does Gogol react to the story his father tells him about his name?

He feels that he has been lied to all these years. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Nikhil get a graduate degree in architecture?

Columbia. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nikhil meet Maxine Ratliff, and how does their relationship transform his life?

Gogol meets Maxine at a party in Tribeca; she shows him a different way of appreciating the world. Signup and view all the answers

What are Maxine's parents like compared to Nikhil's?

They pressure to do nothing and demonstrate their affection in material ways. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nikhil believe that his immersion into Maxine's family is like a 'betrayal' of his own?

He understands that they are secure in a way his parents will never be. Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'truth' of Nikhil's relationship with Maxine 'seep out'?

When Gogol admits he is going up to New Hampshire with Maxine's family. Signup and view all the answers

What warnings does Nikhil give Maxine before they go to his parents' house?

They will not be able to touch or kiss each other in front of his parents. Signup and view all the answers

How does Maxine's visit with Nikhil's parents turn out?

The visit goes well, and Maxine reassures Ashima about that she'd be nervous to be in a house alone. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Nikhil have nostalgia for the vacations he has been on with his family?

He realizes they were never truly vacations at all. Signup and view all the answers

How does Maxine hear Nikhil's pet name for the first time?

When Gogol's dad bids him goodbye. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nikhil celebrate his 27th birthday?

At the lake with Maxine. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gogol's Education and Name Change

Gogol attends Yale for his undergraduate studies.
Before leaving home, he decides to change his name to Nikhil.
He tells his parents that Nikhil is the name they originally chose for him when he was five.

College Courses and Career Aspirations

In his first semester, Gogol takes art history, medieval history, Spanish, and astronomy.
He keeps a fifth course in drawing secret from his parents due to their belief that it is frivolous.
His interest in drawing leads him to consider studying architecture.

Relationships and Cultural Identity

Gogol meets Ruth, a fellow student with a unique upbringing, leading him to feel his own background is bland in comparison.
Unlike Gogol, Sonia embraces her independence and American identity by altering her appearance and challenging family traditions.
Gogol grapples with his cultural identity, realizing he embodies the term "ABCD" (American-Born Confused Deshi).

Family Dynamics and Name Significance

Gogol spends Thanksgiving alone with his father as Ruth is no longer in his life, and his family is in India for a wedding.
On a train ride, a suicide incident prompts Ashoke to share the full story behind Gogol's name, evoking feelings of betrayal in Gogol.

Graduate Studies and New Relationships

Nikhil earns his architecture graduate degree from Columbia University, opting for New York over Boston.
He meets Maxine Ratliff at a party, and their relationship profoundly impacts his worldview and sense of belonging.

Contrasts in Familial Relationships

Maxine's family contrasts sharply with Gogol's, as they exhibit affection through material means, while his parents maintain a more traditional approach.
Nikhil feels that his integration into Maxine's family is a betrayal of his own cultural roots.

Navigating Cultural Expectations and Relationships

Gogol warns Maxine about the restrictions of visiting his family and their cultural customs.
Maxine's visit unfolds positively, showcasing her adaptability and respect towards Gogol's family.

Reflection and Identity

Spending time with Maxine's family, Nikhil realizes he feels no nostalgia for past family vacations, which he deems overwhelming.
Maxine's discovery of Nikhil's pet name sparks a moment of endearment, highlighting the differences in cultural perceptions of names.

Personal Milestones

Nikhil celebrates his 27th birthday at a lake with Maxine, reflecting on his father's absence and his mother's solitude at home.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapters 5 and 6 of 'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri. This quiz covers key moments in Gogol's life, including his decisions about identity and education. Perfect for students and fans looking to deepen their understanding of the text.