Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 1 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Fastidious___________________________________________________________________________
Indiscretion__________________________________________________________________________
Meekly_____________________________________________________________________________
Raucous_____________________________________________________________________________
Emitting_____________________________________________________________________________
Root/meaning of emitting with three related words:
1.
2.
3.
Bewildered__________________________________________________________________________
Allusion and Reference
Bengali_____________________________________________________________________________
Sari________________________________________________________________________________
Calcutta_____________________________________________________________________________
“The Overcoat”_______________________________________________________________________
Provide a brief synopsis__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Literary Terms
Setting______________________________________________________________________________
1
Describe three settings in the book’s opening chapter
1.
2.
3.
Imagery_____________________________________________________________________________
Provide an example from the text___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Flashback__________________________________________________________________________
Provide a line from the text that indicates a flashback_________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Inference__________________________________________________________________________
Based on the incident with the shoes, what might the reader infer about Ashima’s character?____
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Study Questions
1.
What is the time difference between Calcutta and Cambridge Massachusetts?
2.
As Ashima lies in the hospital, what does she imagine her parents are doing?
3.
What did Ashima’s father do for a living?
4.
What error pains Ashima “almost as much as her last contraction”?
5.
Who tells Ashoke to “read all the Russians”? Who are “the Russians”?
6.
What advice does the stranger on the train (Ghosh) give Ashoke?
7.
How is Ashoke saved from the wreckage of the train?
2
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 2 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Acute_______________________________________________________________________________
Commemorate________________________________________________________________________
Haphazard___________________________________________________________________________
Amenities___________________________________________________________________________
Morose_____________________________________________________________________________
Inconsolable_________________________________________________________________________
Admonished_________________________________________________________________________
Allusion and Reference
Purity Supreme_______________________________________________________________________
Sahib_______________________________________________________________________________
Durga puja__________________________________________________________________________
The Seven Year Itch___________________________________________________________________
What is the relevance of this allusion?_______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Literary Terms
Point-of-View________________________________________________________________________
From what point-of-view has this story been told so far?________________________________
Tone_______________________________________________________________________________
How can the narrator’s tone be described in the first page of chapter two?___________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Diction______________________________________________________________________________
Which words contribute to your answer to the tone question above?_______________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
3
Study Questions
1.
Who are Maya and Dilip? Dr. Gupta?
2.
What are Ashima and Ashoke’s “pet” names? How are pet names different from “good”
names?
3.
Why does Ashima pity her son?
4.
Why are Ashima and Ashoke putting off the naming of the baby? What problem does this
cause?
5.
What is the significance of the name they choose?
6.
What inferences can be made about Ashima’s character based on her initial reaction to
the couple’s apartment?
7.
Describe their landlords.
8.
What does Ashima announce to Ashoke shortly after the two arrive home with their
baby?
9.
What phrase do Bengalis use in place of “goodbye”?
10.
Describe what happens when Gogol is offered a plate near the end of his annaprasam.
What might this foreshadow?
11.
With what news does Ashima’s brother call?
12.
Why do you suppose Ashima purposely leaves the gifts on the train at the end of chapter
two?
4
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 3 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Despondent__________________________________________________________________________
Pensive_____________________________________________________________________________
What is the root of “pensive”?______________What does it mean?_______________________
Discreetly___________________________________________________________________________
Truncate____________________________________________________________________________
Elusive_____________________________________________________________________________
Inscriptions__________________________________________________________________________
What is the root of “inscriptions”?____________________Meaning:______________________
Obsolete____________________________________________________________________________
Allusion and Reference
Samosas_____________________________________________________________________________
Tandoori____________________________________________________________________________
Literary Terms
Simile______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Symbol_____________________________________________________________________________
What might food symbolize in this story?____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Motif_______________________________________________________________________________
Name at least one possible motif in the story so far.____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
5
Study Questions
1.
What evidence suggests Ashima is trying to remind Gogol of his heritage?
2.
What is the “good” name Gogol is to be called upon entering kindergarten? What does it
mean?
3.
What is Ashoke’s new job. How does this change affect their lives?
4.
Ashima compares being a foreigner to what? How are the two similar?
5.
What details in the opening pages of chapter three suggest that the couple is becoming
“Americanized”?
6.
What do they name the new baby? What “type” of name is it? What does it mean?
7.
What is possibly so important to Gogol about the names on the tombstones in the
cemetery?
6
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 4 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Supercilious__________________________________________________________________________
Ludicrous___________________________________________________________________________
Sabbatical___________________________________________________________________________
Crestfallen___________________________________________________________________________
Miniscule____________________________________________________________________________
Melancholic__________________________________________________________________________
Disconcerted_________________________________________________________________________
Allusion and Reference
Reaganomics_________________________________________________________________________
Pride and Predjudice__________________________________________________________________
The White Album_____________________________________________________________________
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy_________________________________________________________
Taj Majal____________________________________________________________________________
Rocky Horror Picture Show_____________________________________________________________
Study Questions
1.
Who is Moushumi? Describe her physical appearance. List three character traits.
2.
What does the detail of Lennon’s obituary tell us about Gogol?
3.
What gift does Ashoke give Gogol for his fourteenth birthday?
7
4.
List several signs that Gogol is rejecting his Bengali heritage.
5.
What is the effect of the repetition at the top of page 76?
6.
Why does Ashoke decide not to tell Gogol the story of Gogol’s name?
7.
Where does the family go midway through Gogol’s sophomore year in high school?
8.
What affects Gogol deeply on this trip?
9.
How does Gogol’s English teacher react at first to Gogol’s name?
10.
Why does Gogol refuse to read “The Overcoat”?
11.
At the party Gogol introduces himself to Kim with what name? Why?
8
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 5 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Frantic______________________________________________________________________________
Chronically__________________________________________________________________________
What is the root word of chronically? _________________What does it mean?______________
Perspective__________________________________________________________________________
What is the root of perspective?_____________________What does it mean?_______________
Pallor_______________________________________________________________________________
Allusion and Reference
Bob Dylan___________________________________________________________________________
London Calling_______________________________________________________________________
J.E./Silliman_________________________________________________________________________
Oscar Wilde_________________________________________________________________________
Desh_______________________________________________________________________________
Literary Terms
Irony_______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
List and define the three types of irony:
1.
2.
3.
9
Study Questions
1.
What does Gogol do at the beginning of chapter five?
2.
Where does he come up with the idea?
3.
Who are the first people to call him by his new name? Describe these people.
4.
What is the purpose of the repetition on page 108?
5.
What class does Gogol not tell his parents he is taking? What is ironic about this?
6.
What do his parents want him to be?
7.
What do Sonia and Ashima argue about?
8.
Describe Ruth’s upbringing. How is it different from Gogol’s?
9.
Why doesn’t Gogol tell his parents about Ruth?
10.
What is an ABCD?
11.
What story does Ashoke tell Gogol at the end of chapter five?
10
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 6, 7 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Tranquil_____________________________________________________________________________
Flamboyant__________________________________________________________________________
What is the root of flamboyant?________________What does it mean?____________________
Vociferous___________________________________________________________________________
Mortified____________________________________________________________________________
What is the root of mortified?___________________What does it mean?___________________
Affluence____________________________________________________________________________
Perpetually__________________________________________________________________________
Vagabonds___________________________________________________________________________
Banality_____________________________________________________________________________
Abhorred____________________________________________________________________________
Vigilant_____________________________________________________________________________
Study Questions
1. What is Gogol’s occupation after college? Where is he living?
2. Why did he choose Columbia instead of M.I.T.?
3. Who does Gogol meet at the party in Tribeca? Describe her.
11
4. What, in Gogol’s opinion, is the biggest difference between him and Maxine?
5. Why does Ashoke go to Cleveland?
6. How does Gogol spend his 27th birthday?
7. Describe Ashima’s days alone in the house while Ashoke is in Ohio.
8. What happens to Ashoke?
9. Describe Ashoke’s apartment in Cleveland. What insights does it provide into his character?
10. In a flashback scene, describe what Ashoke did when his father died. Why?
11. Using details from the story, explain what Ashoke asked Gogol to remember at the end of
chapter seven.
12
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 8, 9 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Renowned___________________________________________________________________________
Precarious___________________________________________________________________________
What is the root of precarious?__________________What does it mean?___________________
Indulgent____________________________________________________________________________
Inauspicious_________________________________________________________________________
Capitulation__________________________________________________________________________
Quotidian____________________________________________________________________________
Proximity___________________________________________________________________________
Study Questions
1. What upsets Maxine and causes the couple to drift apart during the time following Ashoke’s
death?
2. Who is Bridget? Use details from the text to describe her.
3. How does Moushumi come back into Gogol’s life?
4. In what ways did Moushumi rebel against her Indian heritage while growing up?
13
5. Describe the incident that led to Moushumi’s breakup with her fiancé.
6. For how much are the checks written that Gogol and Moushumi receive for their wedding? What
is significant about these numbers?
7. Why does Moushumi keep her maiden name?
8. Why does Gogol feel apologetic on their trip to Europe? What might this foreshadow?
9. Why doesn’t Moushumi want her picture taken at the café?
10. Describe the crowd with whom Moushumi likes to socialize. Why does Gogol feel left out?
11. What secret of Gogol’s does Moushumi reveal to the guests at the dinner party? How does Gogol
react?
14
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 10, 11, 12 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Festooned___________________________________________________________________________
Clandestine__________________________________________________________________________
Marginal____________________________________________________________________________
Tangible____________________________________________________________________________
Coveting____________________________________________________________________________
Malaise_____________________________________________________________________________
Auspicious___________________________________________________________________________
Aloofness___________________________________________________________________________
Study Questions
12. List evidence from the beginning of chapter 10 that suggests Moushumi might have some regrets
about marrying Gogol.
13. Who is Dimitri Desjardins? How did Moushumi meet him? How does she learn that he is
seeking a job at her university?
14. What keeps Moushumi awake at night?
15. What thought angers Gogol in the bookstore? Why? What connection might there be between
this incident and his father?
15
16. What does Gogol decide to give Moushumi for Christmas?
17. For what does Ashima feel guilty?
18. What kind of party is Ashima preparing for?
19. How had Gogol learned of Moushumi’s affair?
20. What does Gogol rediscover among his childhood belongings?
21. What is Gogol Doing at the end of the book?
Literary Terms
Theme______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
List at least two possible themes of The Namesake:
1.
2.
16
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 1 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Fastidious very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
Indiscretion behavior or speech that displays a lack of good judgement
Meekly in a quiet, gentle, and submissive manner
Raucous making or constituting a disturbingly harsh and loud noise
Emitting producing or discharging something
Root/meaning of emitting with three related words: mittere (L) to send
1. Commit
2. Transmit
3. Permit
Bewildered caused someone to become perplexed and confused
Allusion and Reference
Bengali refers to something related to Bengal, a region in the north-eastern part of South Asia
Sari a female garment from the Indian subcontinent, a drape wrapped around the waist
Calcutta (Kolkata) the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal
“The Overcoat” A short story by Nikolai Gogol
Provide a brief synopsis: “The Overcoat” is a about a poor, clerk named Akaky Akakievich
Bashmachkin living in Russia. Akaky is forced to save money for a new overcoat of which he is
enormously proud. One night, after an office party, Akaky is robbed of his overcoat. He gets no help
from his superiors in seeking its recovery, eventually falls ill from a fever, and dies. His ghost haunts the
general who feels guilty for having mistreated him.
Literary Terms
Setting the time and place in which a story takes place
17
Describe three settings in the book’s opening chapter
1. Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1968
2. Calcutta, India, years earlier
3. on a train in India, 1961
Imagery language that appeals to the five senses
Provide an example from the text (answers will vary) “She adds salt, lemon juice, thin
slices of green chili pepper;” “A band of pain wraps around her stomach, radiating toward her back and
shooting down her legs.”
Flashback an interruption of the chronological sequence of events to an earlier occurrence
Provide a line from the text that indicates a flashback “In Calcutta, before she was married,
she was working toward a college degree.”
Inference The process of drawing a conclusion from supporting evidence
Based on the incident with the shoes, what might the reader infer about Ashima’s character?
(answers will vary) Ashima is innocent and has never been intimate with a man.
Study Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What is the time difference between Calcutta and Cambridge Massachusetts? Calcutta is
91/2 hours ahead of Cambridge.
As Ashima lies in the hospital, what does she imagine her parents are doing? She
imagines her mom standing in front of her dressing table and her dad hunching
over his table by the window, sketching, smoking, and listening to the radio.
What did Ashima’s father do for a living? He was an artist.
What error pains Ashima “almost as much as her last contraction”? The error that pains
her is a grammatical error in which she told the nurse “finger” and “toe” instead of
“fingers” and “toes.”
Who tells Ashoke to “read all the Russians”? Who are “the Russians”? Ashoke’s
grandfather tells him this. The “Russians” are the great Russian authors such as
Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky.
What advice does the stranger on the train (Ghosh) give Ashoke? He told him: “You are
still young and free…Before it’s too late…see as much of the world as you can.”
How is Ashoke saved from the wreckage of the train? The rescuers spot him because
he is clutching a torn page from “The Overcoat” by Gogol.
18
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 2 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Acute present or experienced to a severe or intense degree
Commemorate recall and show respect for someone or something
Haphazard lacking any obvious principle of organization
Amenities desirable or useful features of a facility, building, or place
Morose sullen and ill tempered
Inconsolable not able to be comforted or alleviated
Admonished warned or reprimanded someone firmly
Allusion and Reference
Purity Supreme A supermarket chain
Sahib A word of Arabic origin meaning holder, master, or owner
Durga puja An annual Hindu festival in India revering the goddess Durga
The Seven Year Itch An American romantic comedy film starring Marilyn Monroe
What is the possible relevance of this allusion? (answers will vary) This allusion is possibly
used to contrast Ashima’s expectations of life in America with the reality she encounters.
Literary Terms
Point-of-View The perspective from which a story is told
From what point-of-view has this story been told so far? Third-person limited
Tone the attitude of a writer toward a subject or an audience
How can the narrator’s tone be described in the first page of chapter two? The tone might be
described as clinical and “matter-of-fact” but also sterile and hopeless.
Diction a writer’s choice of words
Which words contribute to your answer to the tone question above? “pounds,” “ounces,”
“needle,” “delivery,” “empty,” “parched,”
19
Study Questions
1.
Who are Maya and Dilip? Dr. Gupta? Maya and Dilip are a young, married Bengali
couple whom they met at Purity Supreme. Dr. Gupta is a mathematics “postdoc”
whom Ashoke befriended at M.I.T.
2.
What are Ashima and Ashoke’s “pet” names? How are pet names different from “good”
names? Ashima’s pet name is “Monu.” Ashoke’s is Mithu. “Good” names appear on
public documents. “Pet” names are used by family and friends.
3.
Why does Ashima pity her son? She pities him because he is “entering the world so
alone, so deprived.” He has very few relatives in America.
4.
Why are Ashima and Ashoke putting off the naming of the baby? What problem does this
cause? They are putting off naming the baby because they are awaiting a letter from
Ashima’s grandmother containing the baby’s name. They are prohibited from
leaving the hospital without first naming the baby.
5.
What is the significance of the name they choose? Gogol is the author of the book
Ashoke credits with saving his life.
6.
What inferences can be made about Ashima’s character based on her initial reaction to
the couple’s apartment? (answers will vary) Based on her reaction, it may be inferred
that Ashima is willing to suffer in order to please her husband since she makes no
mention of her disappointment.
7.
Describe their landlords. Their landlords are educated, free spirits who might be
described as “hippies.”
8.
What does Ashima announce to Ashoke shortly after the two arrive home with their
baby? Ashima says, “I can’t do this” meaning she is unwilling to raise a baby alone
in America. She wants to go home to India.
9.
What phrase do Bengalis use in place of “goodbye”? They use the phrase “I’m coming.”
10.
Describe what happens when Gogol is offered a plate near the end of his annaprasam.
What might this foreshadow? Gogol chooses nothing which may foreshadow a
stubbornness or unwillingness for anyone to dictate his future.
11.
With what news does Ashima’s brother call? Ahima’s brother calls to tell her that
their father has died.
12.
Why do you suppose Ashima purposely leaves the gifts on the train at the end of chapter
two? (answers will vary) Ashima’s act may indicate her willingness to let the past go.
20
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 3 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Despondent in low spirits from lost hope or courage
Pensive engaged in deep or serious thought
What is the root of “pensive”? pensare (L)
What does it mean? Weigh; consider
Discreetly in a careful and prudent manner
Truncate to shorten something, sometimes by cutting off the top or end
Elusive difficult to find, catch, or achieve
Inscriptions words inscribed, as on a monument or in a book
What is the root of “inscriptions”? scribere (L)
Meaning: to write
Obsolete no longer produced or used; out of date
Allusion and Reference
Samosas fried or baked dish popular in India
Tandoori a method preparing food, particularly chicken, in India
Literary Terms
Simile a figure of speech comparing two unlike things, often using the words “like” or “as.”
Symbol an object, person, or situation that has a meaning other than its literal meaning
What might food symbolize in this story? Food might symbolize comfort and home.
Motif a recurring element that has a symbolic significance
Name at least one possible motif in the story so far. trains
21
Study Questions
1.
What evidence suggests Ashima is trying to remind Gogol of his heritage? She sends
him to Bengali language and culture classes on Saturdays makes him look through
photo albums of his relatives in India.
2.
What is the “good” name Gogol is to be called upon entering kindergarten? What does it
mean? His good name is Nikhil which means “entire” or “encompassing all.”
3.
What is Ashoke’s new job. How does this change affect their lives? Ashoke’s new job is
as an assistant professor of electrical engineering at the university. They move to the
suburbs outside of Boston where they are the only Bengalis.
4.
Ashima compares being a foreigner to what? How are the two similar? She compares it
to pregnancy because they both elicit the “same curiosity from strangers, the same
combination of pity and respect.”
5.
What details in the opening pages of chapter three suggest that the couple is becoming
“Americanized”? The couple’s garage looks the same as the other in the
neighborhood, they purchase a summer barbeque, they learn to roast turkeys for
Thanksgiving and paint eggs for Easter. They decorate their house to celebrate
Christmas.
6.
What do they name the new baby? What “type” of name is it? What does it mean? They
name the new baby Sonali, meaning “she who is golden.”
7.
What is possibly so important to Gogol about the names on the tombstones in the
cemetery? The names are so unusual that they provide Gogol with a sense of comfort
knowing that he is not alone.
22
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 4 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Supercilious behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others
Ludicrous so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous
Sabbatical a period of paid leave granted to a university teacher or worker for study or travel
Crestfallen sad and disappointed
Miniscule extremely small; tiny
Melancholic feeling or expressing pensive sadness
Disconcerted disturbed the composure of; unsettled
Allusion and Reference
Reaganomics 1980’s economic policy named for President Ronald Reagan
Pride and Predjudice 19th century romantic novel written by Jane Austen
The White Album the ninth studio album by The Beatles released in 1968
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy comedy science fiction novel first published in 1979
Taj Majal 7th century Indian landmark mausoleum, one of the “Wonders of the World”
Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975 comedy musical film that has become a cult classic
Study Questions
1.
Who is Moushumi? Describe her physical appearance. List three character traits.
Moushumi is the daughter of Gogol’s parents’ friends. She is thirteen with a “girly”
style and a polka-dotted head band. She is somewhat aloof, bookish, and smart.
2.
What might the detail of Lennon’s obituary tell us about Gogol? (answers will vary)
This detail suggest that Gogol is into music but might also tell us that he is sensitive
and introspective.
3.
What gift does Ashoke give Gogol for his fourteenth birthday? Ashoke gives him a book
entitled “The Short Stories of Nikolai Gogol.”
23
4.
List several signs that Gogol is rejecting his Bengali heritage. He is becoming frustrated
with his family’s visits to Calcutta. He dislike the taste of Indian food and is
increasingly embracing western culture and style.
5.
What is the effect of the repetition at the top of page 76? The repetition reinforces how
much Gogol hates his name.
6.
Why does Ashoke decide not to tell Gogol the story of Gogol’s name? Since it is Gogol’s
birthday, he decides it is a day to embrace Gogol’s life rather than dwell on the
events of his own near death experience.
7.
Where does the family go midway through Gogol’s sophomore year in high school?
They go on an extended stay in Calcutta.
8.
What affects Gogol deeply on this trip? The sight of the Taj Majal and its architectural
splendor mesmerize Gogol.
9.
How does Gogol’s English teacher react at first to Gogol’s name? At first he makes no
reaction which Gogol finds refreshing.
10.
Why does Gogol refuse to read “The Overcoat”? He doesn’t read it out of a sense of
rebellion against his namesake.
11.
At the party Gogol introduces himself to Kim with what name? Why? He introduces
himself as Nikhil because he doesn’t want his real name to become a conversation
piece.
24
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 5 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Frantic wild or distraught with fear, anxiety, or other emotion
Chronically in a persistent and recurring way
What is the root word of chronically? khronos (Gk)
What does it mean? time
Perspective a way of regarding something; a point of view
What is the root of perspective? Specere (L)
What does it mean? To look
Pallor an unhealthy, pale appearance
Allusion and Reference
Bob Dylan enormously influential and iconic American singer, songwriter
London Calling third studio album by English punk rock band The Clash
J.E./Silliman part of Yale’s residential college system
Oscar Wilde flamboyant and controversial turn-of-the-century Irish author and playwright
Desh refers to India
Literary Terms
Irony a reversal of expectations
List and define the three types of irony:
1. Situational: occurs when the opposite of what is expected occurs
2. Verbal: The use of words to mean something different from what a person says
3. Dramatic: when the audience is aware of something that a character in a story is not
25
Study Questions
1.
What does Gogol do at the beginning of chapter five? Gogol goes to the courthouse to
change his name.
2.
Where does he come up with the idea? The idea came to him from an article entitled
“Second Baptisms” that he stumbled upon while waiting in the dentist’s office.
3.
Who are the first people to call him by his new name? Describe these people. The first
people to call him by his new name are his suitemates in college. They are Brandon,
a lanky blonde from Massachusetts and Jonathan, a Korean from L.A. who plays
the cello.
4.
What is the purpose of the repetition on page 108? The repetition reinforces how much
he like his new life and possibly the new freedom he has been granted.
5.
What class does Gogol not tell his parents he is taking? What is ironic about this? Gogol
doesn’t tell his parents he is taking an art class which is ironic since his grandfather
was an artist.
6.
What do his parents want him to be? His parents want him to be an engineer, doctor,
lawyer, or economist.
7.
What do Sonia and Ashima argue about? They argue about Sonia’s desire to get
additional piercings.
8.
Describe Ruth’s upbringing. How is it different from Gogol’s? Ruth was raised in a
commune in Vermont and home schooled for many years. Her parents are
separated, and she lives with her dad.
9.
Why doesn’t Gogol tell his parents about Ruth? He doesn’t tell his parents because he
doesn’t want hear them voice their concerns over his not pursuing a Bengali girl.
10.
What is an ABCD? It stands for “American-born, confused Deshi.”
11.
What story does Ashoke tell Gogol at the end of chapter five? Ashoke tells him about
the accident on the train, how the book saved him, and how Gogol came to be
named.
26
Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 6, 7 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Tranquil free from disturbance; calm
Flamboyant tending to attract attention because of confidence, exuberance, or style
What is the root of flamboyant? Flamma (L)
What does it mean? flame
Vociferous crying out noisily; clamorous
Mortified embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated
What is the root of mortified? Mors (L)
What does it mean? death
Affluence the state of having a great deal of money; wealth
Perpetually in a way that never ends or changes; constantly
Vagabonds people who wander from place to place without a home or job
Banality unoriginality
Abhorred regarded with distrust and hatred
Vigilant keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties
Study Questions
1. What is Gogol’s occupation after college? Where is he living? He is living in New York and
working with a team that designs hotels, museums, and corporate headquarters.
2. Why did he choose Columbia instead of M.I.T.? He chose Columbia because he didn’t want to
move to his father’s alma matter in a city with which his parents are familiar.
3. Who does Gogol meet at the party in Tribeca? Describe her. Gogol meets Maxine who has
dirty blonde hair gathered into a bun, a high and smooth forehead, long jawbones, and
green eyes. She is a little drunk and arguing about a movie.
27
4. What, in Gogol’s opinion, is the biggest difference between him and Maxine? Maxine has never
wished she were someone else, raised in another way in another place.
5. Why does Ashoke go to Cleveland? Ashoke goes to Cleveland because he and his colleague
have received a grant funded by the university to direct research for a corporation at a
small college.
6. How does Gogol spend his 27th birthday? He spends it with Maxine’s family in New
Hampshire.
7. Describe Ashima’s days alone in the house while Ashoke is in Ohio. She spends her days
cleaning the house but eventually begins to live more comfortably, eating on the sofa, no
longer noticing the dust. She also gets a part-time job at the public library and spends time
with her co-workers. She talks with Ashoke every night on the phone.
8. What happens to Ashoke? He drives himself to the hospital with symptoms of a stomach
ache but ends up dying of a heart attack.
9. Describe Ashoke’s apartment in Cleveland. What insights does it provide into his character? His
apartment is sparse, decorated with little more than a family photograph. It shows that
Ashoke was simple man who cherished his family.
10. In a flashback scene, describe what Ashoke did when his father died. Why? Ashoke shaved his
head causing his scalp to bleed because it is a Bengali son’s duty to shave his head in the
wake of a parent’s death.
11. Using details from the story, explain what Ashoke asked Gogol to remember at the end of
chapter seven. He asked him to remember that they “went together to a place where there
was nowhere left to go.”
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Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 8, 9 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Renowned known or talked about by many people; famous
Precarious not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to collapse or fall
What is the root of precarious? Prex (L)
What does it mean? To pray
Indulgent overly generous or lenient
Inauspicious not conducive to success; unpromising
Capitulation the action of surrendering or ceasing to resist an opponent or demand
Quotidian of or recurring every day; daily
Proximity nearness in space, time, or relationship
Study Questions
1. What upsets Maxine and causes the couple to drift apart during the time following Ashoke’s
death? She is excluded from Gogol’s family’s plans to travel to Calcutta and feels jealous of
his relationship with his family.
2. Who is Bridget? Use details from the text to describe her. She is a married woman from
Gogol’s review class with whom he begins an affair. “She is starkly attractive, with brown
hair cut extremely short. She speaks slowly, deliberately, her speech unhurried.”
3. How does Moushumi come back into Gogol’s life? Their parents urge the two young people
to call one another and arrange a meeting.
4. In what ways did Moushumi rebel against her Indian heritage while growing up? Moushumi
never dated Indian guys and chose a French major rather than chemistry as her parents
wished. When she was in high school, she refused to attend her parents’ parties.
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5. Describe the incident that led to Moushumi’s breakup with her fiancé. Moushumi took him to
Calcutta to get her grandparents’ blessing. He seemed to enjoy the culture there, but she
later overheard him disparaging it. After confronting him, the two fought and broke up.
6. For how much are the checks written that Gogol and Moushumi receive for their wedding? What
is significant about these numbers? They are made out with numbers such as $101 and $201
since it is considered “inauspicious” for Bengalis to give round figures.
7. Why does Moushumi keep her maiden name? She has begun to publish under her maiden
name and a hyphenated name wouldn’t fit in the window of a business envelope.
8. Why does Gogol feel apologetic on their trip to Europe? What might this foreshadow? He has a
feeling that Moushumi would rather be socializing with her friends. It makes him feel
useless and left out, and it might foreshadow a future distance growing between them.
9. Why doesn’t Moushumi want her picture taken at the café? She doesn’t want to be mistaken
for a tourist.
10. Describe the crowd with whom Moushumi likes to socialize. Why does Gogol feel left out?
They are intelligent, attractive and well dressed. They graduated from reputed universities
and have fine, glamourous jobs. Gogol feels left out because he has a hard time fitting in
and joining their urbane conversations.
11. What secret of Gogol’s does Moushumi reveal to the guests at the dinner party? How does Gogol
react? She reveals his given name and how he changed it. Gogol reacts by glaring at her and
wishing he had never told her.
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Name_____________________________
The Namesake: Chapter 10, 11, 12 Study Guide
Vocabulary
Festooned adorned or decorated with
Clandestine kept secret
Marginal not of central importance
Tangible able to be perceived, especially by touch
Coveting desiring to have something
Malaise a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness
Auspicious conducive to success; favorable
Aloofness state of being distant, remote, or withdrawn
Study Questions
1. List evidence from the beginning of chapter 10 that suggests Moushumi might have some regrets
about marrying Gogol. Moushumi declines a fellowship grant that she has been offered
because her situation has changed since she applied for the grant.
2. Who is Dimitri Desjardins? How did Moushumi meet him? How does she learn that he is
seeking a job at her university? Dimitri is a slovenly, intellectual academic whom Moushumi
had met years earlier on a tip to a rally in Washington D.C. while she was still in high
school. She learns of his ambitions when the administrative assistant at her university
suddenly dies and Moushumi is searching for her mail in the mailroom.
3. What keeps Moushumi awake at night? She is kept awake by her guilt and by the fear that
Gogol will somehow find out about her affair.
4. What thought angers Gogol in the bookstore? Why? What connection might there be between
this incident and his father? He is angered by a travel guide to Italy since he has never visited
the places and seen the architecture that he has studied. It is a sharp contrast to his father
who took the stranger’s advice on the train and went out to see more of the world.
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5. What does Gogol decide to give Moushumi for Christmas? He decides to take her to Italy.
6. For what does Ashima feel guilty? She feels guilty that it was she who encouraged Gogol to
meet with Moushumi.
7. What kind of party is Ashima preparing for? She is preparing for a Christmas party which
will also be the last she throws at Pemberton Road.
8. How had Gogol learned of Moushumi’s affair? While on the train a year before, she had
accidentally mentioned Dimitri’s name and Gogol asked her directly, “Are you having an
affair?”
9. What does Gogol rediscover among his childhood belongings? He finds his father’s gift from
years before, The Short Stories of Nikolai Gogol.
10. What is Gogol Doing at the end of the book? He is sitting on his childhood bed reading the
book his father gave him.
Literary Terms
Theme the main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work
List at least two possible themes of The Namesake: (answers will vary)
1.
Everyone struggles to create his or her own identity.
2. While some things change, others remain constant.
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The Namesake Vocabulary with Definitions
Abhorred regarded with distrust and hatred
Acute present or experienced to a severe or intense degree
Admonished warned or reprimanded someone firmly
Affluence the state of having a great deal of money; wealth
Aloofness state of being distant, remote, or withdrawn
Amenities desirable or useful features of a facility, building, or place
Auspicious conducive to success; favorable
Banality unoriginality
Bewildered caused someone to become perplexed and confused
Capitulation the action of surrendering or ceasing to resist an opponent or demand
Chronically in a persistent and recurring way
Clandestine kept secret
Commemorate recall and show respect for someone or something
Coveting desiring to have something
Crestfallen sad and disappointed
Despondent in low spirits from lost hope or courage
Disconcerted disturbed the composure of; unsettled
Discreetly in a careful and prudent manner
Elusive difficult to find, catch, or achieve
Emitting producing or discharging something
Fastidious very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
Festooned adorned or decorated with
Flamboyant tending to attract attention because of confidence, exuberance, or style
Frantic wild or distraught with fear, anxiety, or other emotion
Haphazard lacking any obvious principle of organization
Inauspicious not conducive to success; unpromising
Inconsolable not able to be comforted or alleviated
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Indiscretion behavior or speech that displays a lack of good judgement
Indulgent overly generous or lenient
Inscriptions words inscribed, as on a monument or in a book
Ludicrous so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous
Malaise a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness
Marginal not of central importance
Meekly in a quiet, gentle, and submissive manner
Melancholic feeling or expressing pensive sadness
Miniscule extremely small; tiny
Morose sullen and ill tempered
Mortified embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated
Obsolete no longer produced or used; out of date
Pallor an unhealthy, pale appearance
Pensive engaged in deep or serious thought
Perpetually in a way that never ends or changes; constantly
Perspective a way of regarding something; a point of view
Precarious not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to collapse or fall
Proximity nearness in space, time, or relationship
Quotidian of or recurring every day; daily
Raucous making or constituting a disturbingly harsh and loud noise
Renowned known or talked about by many people; famous
Sabbatical a period of paid leave granted to a university teacher or worker for study or travel
Supercilious behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others
Tangible able to be perceived, especially by touch
Tranquil free from disturbance; calm
Truncate to shorten something, sometimes by cutting off the top or end
Vagabonds people who wander from place to place without a home or job
Vigilant keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties
Vociferous crying out noisily; clamorous
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