Identity In The Namesake

Every analyzed version of The Namesake seems to be confined within the boundaries of identity crisis and cross-cultural differences, The Namesake as novel always tend to find the namesake in the character of Gogol. But the thread of namesake also connects other characters in the novel that truly stand out as what the meaning of their name stands for. Talking of the namesakes of the names in the story I would specifically like to draw the attention to the character of Ashima - the wife of Prof. Ashok Ganguly, and later the mother of the protagonist Gogol/Nikhil and Sonia Ganguly.
An amazing writer herself it is always been emphasized that Lahiri draws most of her characters from real life inspirations. But what outstands in this repetitive reflection of the complex urban yet rurally-nostalgic lifestyle is the refreshing narrating technique that weaves the thread of emotions towards the story.
And amidst this complex lifestyle and the struggle of finding and establishing an identity all the characters in the story, more or less, go on a transformation through their life experiences. After all it is all about the cross-cultural experiences that the characters undertake stretching their …show more content…
It is not only because she is one of the lead characters but also because she is probably the only character in the entire story who stands and remains as the epitome of courage, strength, serenity, and adaptable - all at the same time. Unlike all the other characters in the story who either out rightly reject whatsoever their life experiences has to offer or succumb to the situation Ashima stands throughout the story despite her vulnerable position. She swims through the tides making her way to the final destination where she has attained the limitless stature of her life by returning back to what she wishes for at the