Week 7 Discussion (pages 203-236)

Happy Friday Scholars!

I hope this Friday finds you well. Here we are, week seven of The Namesake and for many of you summer school superstars. Great work everyone! This next section of the novel illustrates how the things that we always knew can be rediscovered and become brand new.  The progression of the relationship between Nikhil's (Gogol) and Moushumi. 

Remember, whether you are reading along with us, or catching up to this point taking the time to read and think about the novel is something for which you should be extremely proud.  Only two more sections to go, and 20 days until the first day of classes.  Are you ready? I believe that you are! As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns please reach out so we can make sure everything you are reading is clear.

Here are some questions to consider for the fifth section of the text (pages 203-236):

1.How does the story of the hat predict the success of Nikhil (Gogol) and Moushumi's relationship?

2. How does Bengali enter their common language once they start to see one another?

3.  How was Moushumi's independent behavior at Brown similar to Nikhil's independent behavior at Yale? (How did their actions go against their parents' wishes?)


4. How does Moushumi view the breakup of her engagement to Graham as a result of his being disrespectful to her culture?

5.  How do Moushumi and Nikhil´s wedding plans show that they cannot ignore their Bengali heritage?


6. How does Nikhil learn to appreciate his parents´ courage on the occasion of his own wedding? 

7. How and when had Nikhil proposed to Moushumi?

8. What kinds of cash wedding gifts do Bengalis give?

9.  With what name does Moushumi sign the marriage license? How might this decision have had something to do with her interest in French feminist theory? Why had Nikhil secretly hoped that she would have been more traditional when she signed the marriage license?

10.  Why do Moushumi and Nikhil go to Paris in March? Why does Nikhil admire Moushumi and even resent her for having spent years in Paris "reinventing herself" (233)?



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.  Also remember to work on the summer reading organizer.  The organizer will be collected by your English 4 teacher when school starts in September.  If you misplaced it, here is the link: 12R Summer Reading.

Remember next week's reading includes pages 237-270.  Enjoy the week ahead everyone!

#AboveAP