The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri is a novel that demonstrates all the difficulties of adapting a person to a new cultural environment, as well as the search for his or her identity. The older generation has its problems because they need to accustom to the differences of the new culture and preserve their former self, while the children try to find their own “self” consisting of a mixture of two cultures. Ashima and Gogol are representatives of these two generations, and although they have many differences, they nevertheless share the problems of finding the identity and place of a migrant in society.
Ashima is the mother of Gogol, or Nikhil, a boy born in the USA but having Indian roots. The main differences between mother and son are their attitude to Indian origin, the availability of development opportunities, and the freedom to choose their beloved. The difference in the ability to independently determine their future and present is different due to the cultural background of Ashima and Gogol. Ashima, like Gogol, has a higher education; however, she always knew that her destiny as a woman was to be a wife and mother (Lahiri, 2004). This feature is part of the Indian culture and traditions, which Ashima obeyed and found pleasure in it. In general, Ashima’s husband never restricted his wife or children in the right of choice; however, Ashima herself chose the role of mother and gained independence only after the death of her husband (Lahiri, 2004). At the same time, Gogol himself chose a university for education and had the opportunity and desire to develop his career, which, although it was not the central element of his life, still played a significant role.
Traditions also determined Ashima’s personal life, as she, being an obedient daughter, agreed to a contractual marriage and left her homeland for her husband. At the same time, Gogol always had the freedom to choose his partners, and a freer American culture allowed him to have several affairs (Lahiri, 2004). Although Gogol married a girl whom his mother had introduced, their relationship was built on love and personal relationships rather than a contract. However, the most significant difference between mother and son was their relationshiofto Indian descent. While Gogol tried his best to become a member of American society and moved away from his traditions and family, Ashima tried to keep Indian traditions at home by cooking food and wearing saris (Lahiri, 2004). For Ashima, her culture was an essential part of her identity throughout her life, while Gogol realized its significance only after the death of his father.
However, despite the differences, Ashima and Gogol had many similar traits. Their relationships and marriage had a different beginning, but they were filled with love and respect for their partners. Although almost all of Ashima’s life was decided for her, and Gogol always had freedom of choice, at the end of the novel, both characters become strong and independent personalities. For example, Ashima had a friend and job and decided to sell the house and live six months in India (Lahiri, 2004). The most considerable similarity of their destinies is manifested in a lifelong search of their identity and the realization that they both combine their Indian origin and its traditions and the American present, although these features have different importance in their lives.
Therefore, despite the various possibilities and the process of shaping and realizing their identities, Ashima and Gogol have a similar fate as a migrant, which needs to be assimilated into society. Their main difference is the varying degree of predominance of Indian and American culture in their lives, as well as the initial opportunities and desire to be part of American society. However, life experience and various situations eventually helped them to recognize that both cultures play a significant role in their lives and are part of themselves.
References
Lahiri, J. (2004). The namesake. Mariner Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.