Week 1 Discussion (Pages 1-33)

Happy Friday Scholars,

Hopefully you have read and enjoyed the first 33 pages of The Namesake. Here are some questions to  consider:

1. Who is Ashoke?

2. Describe the train accident.

3. What made Ashoke decide to go to graduate school in another country?

4. How did that decision impact his life?

5. Who is Ashima?

6. Characterize the first meeting between Ashima and Ashoke.

7. How did this meeting Impact Ashima and Ashoke?

8. According to the novel, wusually chooses a child's name?

9. When does a child get a name?

10. According to the novel, can a child be named after another family member? Explain.

Think about your responses. You do not need to answer all the questions here unless you would like to do so. Instead, use the questions to explore the themes of the reading.

The novel is called The Namesake. The concept of names and the power that come from names is established in these first chapters. Consider this as you prepare your response. We look forward to the discussion.