The Namesake Wrap up and big ideas

Motifs, Symbols and Imagery Trains Books Food Presents/Gifts Cites/Houses/Apartments/Homes Money Parties Drawing/art Hands Photos Consider the purpose in the text: create character, atmosphere, generate mood in the reader develop theme Who is connected to them? What extensions/connections can you make? Setting and description of it – connect to character’s mood or atmosphere of the moment

Big Topics – Possible for theme? Culture and Cultural Patterns Food clothing music Identity or Individuality Names or change Self confidence Acceptance or fear of rejection Secrets or lies Communication Extremes (black and white or all or nothing Alienation/loneliness

Characters - theme Character flaws Foils (contrasting characters highlight aspects of a main character) Personal quests – physical, spiritual, emotional

Progression of relationship Kim Ruth Maxine Brigitte Moushumi

Identity Gogol – Nikhil (episode with Kim) Ashoke – Gogol’s page of story keeps him alive Reading saved his life Rebirth Gogol - Acceptance / rejection of his own name and identity Push/pull culture and relationship with parents

Identity Narrated as Gogol even when he’s living as Nikhil Name and personality – wears identity like clothing Distancing vs rejecting More open /aware of American culture Judgmental/ critical 14th birthday name avoided

Identity Pre/post Nikhil Women Parents Overcoat Marriage Death of father

Other ideas to discuss Ashima – growth – shaped by her relationships with men Independence Loss Purpose (American v. Bengali grandkids?) Moshumi – avoidance Time manipulation

Morality Moshumi’s versus Gogol’s Dimitri – Rebound Materialism Convenience Dramatic Irony (POV) Comfort vs mystery