Gogol's Journey and Cultural Identity

Character Development: How does Gogol feel about his name as he starts school?

• He is proud of its uniqueness

• He is indifferent and accepts it without question

• He dislikes it and feels awkward introducing himself

• He insists on using a different name

Major Event: What happens when Gogol’s parents try to introduce his formal name, Nikhil, at school?

• The teacher refuses to use it

• Gogol insists on keeping his pet name

• Ashima changes her mind and sticks with Gogol

• The school loses the paperwork

Setting: Where does the Ganguli family move in this chapter?

• Boston

• Cambridge

• A suburban home in Massachusetts

• New York City

Symbolism: What does the new house represent for Ashima and Ashoke?

• Their growing assimilation into American life

• A reminder of their old home in India

• A temporary place before returning to India

• A sign that they are financially struggling

Character Relationship: How does Gogol react to visiting India with his family?

• He is excited to connect with his heritage

• He feels disconnected and bored

• He wants to stay permanently

• He refuses to go on the trip

Cultural Contrast: What is one major difference Gogol notices between India and America?

• The food is exactly the same in both places

• Indian cities are quieter than American ones

• Family expectations and traditions are much stricter in India

• People in India are more focused on technology

Theme: What theme is reflected in Gogol’s struggle with his name?

• The importance of literature in shaping identity

• The tension between personal identity and cultural heritage

• The necessity of following parental expectations

• The loss of family connections over time

Plot Development: How do Ashima and Ashoke try to maintain Bengali traditions in their new home?

• They refuse to speak English at home

• They hold regular gatherings with Bengali friends

• They enroll Gogol in an Indian school

• They only eat traditional Indian food

Character Development: How does Ashima feel about her new life in America?

• She completely embraces American culture

• She misses India but is beginning to adapt

• She refuses to make friends outside of her Bengali community

• She wishes she had never moved

Foreshadowing: What does Ashoke’s past train accident continue to symbolize?

• His belief that life is unpredictable and precious

• His regret about moving to America

• His physical weakness and frailty

• His reluctance to share his past with Gogol