Source: Elith & Edwards: The Namesake Excel Study Guide (p. 186).
In what ways do some texts encourage reflection about what it means to belong?
The actions of others are essential catalysts for an individual to belong. These may be small or large gestures that show that the individual is cared for, included and wanted. In The Namesake, Gogol's parents demonstrate love for their son in a variety of ways. Ashima's actions in the early years of Gogol's life mean that he continues to associate her with the fulfilment of basic needs and a deep and long lasting love. Lahiri constructs a series of sentences using the active voice to show the reliance and dependent nature of Ashima and Gogol's relationship in its early years. Phrases such as 'she takes him out' and 'she gives Gogol a bath' as well as 'she sings him the Bengali songs' reflect the way in which the primary carer for a child forges the bond between themselves and the baby in an active and long lasting way. Ashoke and Gogol also build a strong relationship through the experiences they had together and the sharing of values and culture. By naming his son Gogol, Ashoke is passing on a range of beliefs and values to his son and creating a metaphorical link between his own life experiences (the train accident in particular) and Gogol's. Both of these examples reflect the importance of small and large gestures in bringing about a bond between two people.
Find the following quotes and use them to structure a paragraph response to the same question above:
Ashima never truly feels she belongs in America: Throughout the experience, in spite of her growing discomfort, she'd been astonished by her body's ability to make life ... That it was happening so far from home ... made it more miraculous still. (p. 6)
Ashoke's tragic accident is a catalyst to belonging to the book of short stories by Nikolai Gogol: Instead of thanking God he thanks Gogol, the Russian writer who had saved his life. (p. 21)
The actions of others are essential for an individual to belong. These may be small or large gestures that show that the individual is included and wanted. In The Namesake, Gogol's parents demonstrate love for their son in a variety of ways. Ashima's love in the early years of Gogol's life mean that he continues to associate with her and belong. Lahiri uses syntax to show the dependent nature of Ashima and Gogol's relationship in its early years. Phrases such as 'she takes him out' and 'she gives Gogol a bath' as well as 'she sings him the Bengali songs' reflect the way in which the primary carer for a child forges the bond between themselves actively. Ashoke and Gogol also build a strong relationship through the experiences they had together and the sharing of values and culture. By naming his son Gogol, Ashoke is passing on a range of beliefs and values to his son and creating a link between his own life experiences and Gogol's. Both of these examples reflect the importance of small and large gestures in bringing about a bond between two people.
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