The cast of characters present in the novel The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri all contribute to the development of the story each in their own unique way. Alongside their contribution to the storyline, complex characters had to change and mature over time for the story to progress. It’s evident that this includes Ashoke as he’s a character who undergoes character development. Unfortunately, it’s often difficult for readers to realize the evolution of Ashoke’s character since it’s overshadowed by Gogol’s easily identified character growth. The significance of Ashoke’s development makes him arguably the most vital character due to the huge effect it has on the Gangulis especially his own son Gogol.
Ashoke Ganguli was first introduced to the audience as an average mild-mannered man content on living his life through books. This was a lifestyle that Ashoke adopted from his grandfather which led him to his preference of reading rather than taking action in order experience the world. This early stage of Ashoke’s character is further defined through his interaction with a passenger named Ghosh when he suggests Ashoke to “do himself a favor before it’s too late, without thinking too much about it first, …show more content…
Sonia’s name is a great example of this unexpected change. Instead of giving Sonia a ‘pet name’ and a ‘good name’, Ashoke and Ashima decide to only give her one name; an event that initially would have been unthinkable for Gogol’s birth, but now after living in the United states for a little over six years, they are ready to comfortably do so. Sonia’s name also symbolizes and similarly represents Gogol’s character progression in the American society. Her Indian name Sonali, is shortened to “Sonu, then Sona, and finally Sonia. Sonia makes her a citizen of the world.”(62), and links her to being to many cultures, including
Ashoke Ganguli was first introduced to the audience as an average mild-mannered man content on living his life through books. This was a lifestyle that Ashoke adopted from his grandfather which led him to his preference of reading rather than taking action in order experience the world. This early stage of Ashoke’s character is further defined through his interaction with a passenger named Ghosh when he suggests Ashoke to “do himself a favor before it’s too late, without thinking too much about it first, …show more content…
Sonia’s name is a great example of this unexpected change. Instead of giving Sonia a ‘pet name’ and a ‘good name’, Ashoke and Ashima decide to only give her one name; an event that initially would have been unthinkable for Gogol’s birth, but now after living in the United states for a little over six years, they are ready to comfortably do so. Sonia’s name also symbolizes and similarly represents Gogol’s character progression in the American society. Her Indian name Sonali, is shortened to “Sonu, then Sona, and finally Sonia. Sonia makes her a citizen of the world.”(62), and links her to being to many cultures, including