The Namesake Chapter 5-7 (Still Going)

Hello everyone! It seems it's that time of the week again, where I recap the great novel known as the Namesake. I must say before I start, I found myself enjoying the second portion of the book more than the first. I've particularly liked watching Gogol grow up and become a different person under his new name.

This portion of the novel is told mainly through the perspective of Gogol Ganguli. Chapter 5 begins with Gogol wanting to change his name, legally. He brings up the idea in front of his parents for the first time and in the beginning, they are not so understanding. Ashoke tells Gogol "'What's done is done'" (Lahiri 99). Ashima explains "'It's too complicated now, .. You're too old.'" (Lahiri 99). Both of these responses lead Gogol to ask "'I don't get it. Why did you have to give me a pet name in the first place? What's the point?'" (Lahiri 99). To this point in the novel, I have struggled to understand the feelings Gogol has towards his pet name, why he resents it so much. After this statement however, I feel as though I can relate to Gogol's name situation. The statement by Gogol was eerily reminiscent of one I made as a little boy. Something along the lines of, why does my first name have to be Robert? Why can't it just be Angus? Why can't it just be normal? This was coming at a time where I was receiving many administrative documents of which my real name was on. As you can imagine, a 7-year-old child constantly having to go down to the office to pick up his forms can get a little annoying. When Gogol said what he said, it made me realize that he wasn't truly upset his name was Gogol, but more at the lack of meaning the name possesses (to Gogol at that time). I realized then that he simply hadn't been explained why he was named Gogol (to the full extent). Much like how my parents hadn't explained to me the meaning of my first name until I had complained that day. I believe once Gogol truly takes the name for what it symbolizes, then he will begin to understand why he was named Gogol and begin to accept his name for what it is.

This Segment was long, apologies, i'm trying to make a good impression :)

As the novel continues to develop, you learn of Ruth, Gogol's first serious relationship. The relationship lasts a while until around Thanksgiving of Gogol's senior year where you learn they have split up, mainly due to the distance between them (Ruth had studied in Oxford while Gogol stayed on Pemberton Road). A small tragedy then ensues, a suicide occurs on the tracks of the very train Gogol is talking home to visit his family. Ashoke is waiting for Gogol at the railway station and Gogol apologizes for not being able to warn him (a nice act by Gogol towards his family, an occurrence that seems not to happen too often). It is when Ashoke learns of this that he decides to tell Gogol why his name is Gogol. A moment that shocks him and puts him nearly to tears. A moment I believe is the beginning of Gogol's appreciation for his name (possibly hinting to another name switch?). After this, you are introduced to Maxine, Gogol's second girlfriend in this week's reading. Maxine appeared to be more like by Gogol (in my opinion). He seemed to spend nearly every waking hour with her. He eventually moves in and you learn Maxine lives with her parents (a tad bit odd but I'm not judging). Gogol begins to notice the subtle things that differ in the Ratcliff's and the Ganguli's. Gogol notices the difference in public affection and the way in which they serve their food. All small things he begins to compare.

Gogol, Ashoke, Sonia and Ashima

The final segment of this portion of the book are told from Ashima's perspective. She is addressing Christmas cards when Ashoke calls informing Ashima that he is in the Hospital. He plays the situation down, explaining it was merely the food he at last night. Ashima believes him and says goodbye. It is not until she attempts to call the hospital that she learnt of her husbands passing. A heart attack. I gotta say this part hit me pretty hard, I've had close family members pass and it's never a good feeling when you get the call. The feeling resembles the actions Ashima demonstrated after receiving the call. Actions such as "Ashima hangs up the phone as the women is still speaking, pressing down the receiver as hard as she can into the cradle, keeping her hand there for a full minute, as if to smother the words she's just heard." (Lahiri 169). I can relate to this feeling as well, many times after the passing of a family member I can remember attempting to forget the news I had just heard or pretending it was a dream. I pity Ashima in this scenario, mainly as both her children do not appear to truly respect her or understand her and family is needed in times of tragedy. I was always surrounded by family in these scenarios and it made the mourning process 10000x easier. The sad tone continues as after Ashoke's death Gogol is not the same around Maxine. The couple hangs on for a few months after the passing of Ashoke but separate soon after. I can understand this as it is always tough dealing with the loss of someone so close. Sometimes, you need time to be alone and having a girlfriend or boyfriend can sometimes be difficult in those scenarios.

yea it really is :(

So, I began reading this back and I just took in how depressing this weeks recap is. Sadly, this is how I could relate to this weeks section, it helped me understand many of the emotions the characters were feeling.

Now that you've all shed a tear in my honor it is without further ado that I announce the end of this weeks blog post. Catch you guys next week! If you're not too depressed to come visit. :)

This makes me smile

Also, this week was really long, I'll be sure to shorten it up next week. I simply felt very strongly about this section and wanted to articulate my feelings to you guys.

#namesake