The Namesake Identity Essay

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The question of identity is always a difficult one for those immersed in one culture, yet belonging to another. This concept of identity frequently lingers in the minds of immigrants, especially the second generations who were born elsewhere than their parent’s homeland. Throughout The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, Gogol Ganguli struggles between his two identities of being both Bengali-Indian and American. He attempts to escape the confinement of societal standards and pursue the American identity by redefining himself. In addition, each character is challenged by their surroundings and ability to adapt to change. Through The Namesake, we learn the importance of how societal standards can shape someone and the effects it has on one’s development. …show more content…

He first started to experience this difference on his first day of kindergarten. In keeping with tradition, Gogol’s parents attempted to assign him the good name Nikhil. However, Gogol’s unfamiliarity with his tradition causes him to reject his good name by shaking his head when asked if he wants to be called Nikhil. Despite his parent’s wishes, Gogol attempts to take control of his identity and name. During his time at school, Gogol comes to realize that his name separates him from his classmates. When substitute teachers arrives at his name on the roster, they "would always pause", forcing Gogol to "call out, before even being summoned" (The Namesake 66-67). By the time Gogol is in sixth grade he visits a graveyard for a school field trip. He then realizes that he is "old enough to know that there is no Ganguli in the cemetery"(The Namesake 69) As a result, this causes him to feel secluded and

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