The Namesake Literary Analysis

A symbol in literature contains several layers of meaning. It expresses an idea, clarifies meaning, or enlarges literal meaning. In the “Namesake”, the symbol and idea of immigrant culture is clearly evident in the novel especially among the characters, the themes, and overall flow of the novel. The characters, settings, and issues faced by the characters in the novel provide examples of immigrant culture including problems faced by immigrants such as adjusting to a new country. The “Namesake” provides the reader a clear look into the culture of immigrants and current and present problems they may face. Many of the characters in the “The Namesake” must learn how to embrace the new and not forget the old. Many of them face problems caused by …show more content…
Two of the relationships that were mentioned in the novel involved Moushumi Mazoomdar and Maxine Ratliff. Gogol’s relationship with Maxine was something that he longed for after many years of failed relationships. He and Maxine grew attached to on another and eventually moved in together. He was introduced to Maxine’s parents: Gerald and Lydia. This picture perfect family provides the reader a clear picture of a family born and raised in the united states. When Gogol first met Gerald and Lydia he was shocked by some of the things that take place within the household. Compared to his parent’s traditional way of showing affection, Gerald and Lydia practically praised one another. They would often compliment one another and embrace each other, which Gogol noticed his parents never did. Most of the time there would be no type of contact between his mother and father whatsoever, even to the point where Ashima does not speak her husbands name, and to see Gerald and Lydia do this was completely new for Gogol. “Like a kiss or caress in a Hindi movie, a husband's name is something intimate and therefore unspoken, cleverly patched over (1.2).” This example shows how varied the two cultures are and how different people can be from one another. As most of Gogol’s relationships, him and Maxine broke up and never spoke again. A while after Ashima somewhat forced Gogol to contact a childhood friend of his who just so happens to be of the same background as well. When Gogol contacted Moushumi Mazoomdar, he arranged to meet her at a local coffee shop for a sit down. They both grew close to one another and began dating right after they met after all those years. What made this relationship so great was that they both had the same background and their families were both big on having certain rituals and traditions present from their culture. Gogol and Moushumi eventually got married during a big Indian