Pd 04 Namesake Chapter 5 by Nathaniel Rockwood https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok Focus Passages for Insta-Seminars en-us 2019-03-15 11:38:44 UTC 2025-12-10 12:39:15 UTC hello@padlet.com This passage ties in to the motif of identity and also helps illuminate Gogol’s character. Through the story of the author, it reveals that those who reject their identity are fated to an unhappy life. Meanwhile, Gogol’s reaction to the lesson reveals how self conscious he is of his name and the uncertain identity it represents. nathaniel_c_rockwood https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341698765
  • What might the description of Nikolai Gogol’s demise foreshadow about Gogol’s future?
  • What does Gogol’s reaction to the lesson reveal about his character?

    • ]]>     2019-03-15 11:38:44 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341698765     This was the first time where Ashoke tells Gogol why he named him that and what happened in 1961. The earlier part of the chapter, Gogol changed his name due to an author with an unappealing background but he doesn’t understand the full story and how it relates to Ashoke. This passage brings questions on if Gogol feels guilty and maybe wants to change his name back. 3532792 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782521
     
    1. Why didn’t Ashoke tell him the reason why he named Gogal when he first mentioned he wanted a name change? 
    2. Does Gogol want to change his name back to Gogol? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:43:25 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782521     This passage ties to the motif of names & identity and reveals Gogol’s feelings towards his new name and identity, Nikhil. Through Gogol's lively description of his life as Nikhil it implies that he doesn’t regret what he’s done. Yet it’s all a little too good to be true when Gogol soon admits his true feelings towards his name switch. 347635 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782533
    1. What might Gogol’s confession in regards to his new name foreshadow about his future?
    2. Why does it bother Gogol when his parents call him that, even when he asked them to? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:43:26 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782533     This passage is very transformative for Gogol, as it marks his official transition from being Gogol, to being Nikhil. That Gogol is shocked by the easiness of getting his new name recognized by the law, and his hope that the rest of the world will simply follow suit, demonstrates his naïveté. Additionally, his excitement to embrace his new identity illustrate his hope to recreate himself as a young adult. 347433 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782578
  • Why did Gogol go to court alone?
  • What is Lahiri trying to convey by making Gogol’s legal name-changing process painless?

    • ]]>     2019-03-15 14:43:31 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782578     This passage brings an ultimate conflict in Gogol’s identity. He once resented his “pet name”, but now that he knows the history of it, he looks at it in an entirely new light. This may foreshadow a future conflict in which he doesn’t know who he truly is. 345381 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782651  
    1. How does Gogol’s newfound perspective on his name change his thoughts on his own identity? 
    2. Will Gogol regret changing his name to Nikhil, now knowing the true meaning behind his name “Gogol”? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:43:39 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782651     This passage ties in to the motif of identity, and Gogol’s name being a big part of his identity. It marks Gogol’s realization of missing a part of his name, feeling a bit of guilt, once it is officially changed. But, once he leaves the court, it is as if a weight is lifted from him. He is immediately more confident in how he carries himself with his changed name. 3491831 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782657  
    1. Why does Gogol wonder if getting his name changed is like “an obese person to become thin” or “a prisoner to walk free”? 
    2.  Why does Gogol immediately gain so much confidence with a changed name? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:43:40 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782657     Nikki Ahmadi https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782671 104-105 This passage relates to the recurring idea of names and the power a name can possess. Though Gogol initially feels relief and excitement after becoming Nikhil, the reality of his decision sets in. Gogol feels as though he is betraying his parents and that the people around him do not truly know who he is. 
     
    1.  Does Gogol regret having changed his name?
    2. Would Gogol have been happier if he told his classmates the truth about his good name and the name Nikhil? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:43:41 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782671     347388 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782688  This passage relates to the the motif of names and identity of Gogol. Gogol doesn't like his name which pushes him to change it. Gogol is developing his own person and making his own decisions.   
    1. Even though Gogol's dad suggests that he change his name, he doesn't like the fact that he did. Why did he let him do that?
    2. What was Gogol's reaction to his dad suggesting a name change? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:43:44 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782688     This passage supports how “Nikhil,” was a name Gogol sometimes went by and that was his “alter ego,” and that was his way of standing up to his parents. Although he hated the name “Gogol,” he can’t help but think back to his 18 years of life when he went by that name. He can’t deny it but the name is significant since his father chose that name for him and his childhood friends know him as “Gogol.” 3718001 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782694  1)Why do you think Nikhil’s alter ego is more rebellious and defiant than “Gogol”?

    2)Do you think that even though Gogol hates his given name, do you think he’s in denial that the name isn’t so bad?]]>     2019-03-15 14:43:44 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782694     This is an important passage due to the fact that it displays Gogol does not identify himself with Indian culture, which goes with the motif of "growing".You can see him change throughout the book going from identifying with his name, to not. Furthermore this shows how much he's grown up as a person and his environment changes him. 345376 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782701
  • Do you think Gogol's environment is the reason why he wants to change his name?
  • Why do you think Goggles parents didn't stop him?

    • ]]>     2019-03-15 14:43:46 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782701     This passage reflects the motif of identity by juxtaposing Gogol’s two words. Throughout the the story, he is caught between two worlds and foreign in both of them. In this passage, he finally realizes he wants to be more American then Indian, as he feels more comfortable in american culture then Indian culture 223090 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782740 1. What is the conclusion Gogol comes to when he is at the lecture.
     2. Whys is Gogol more comfortable with American culture then Indian culture? ]]>     2019-03-15 14:43:51 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782740     This passage is important as it is known that Gogol has been thinking about changing his name for quite some time now. We also learn that Gogol had asked his parents at one point to change his name noting his name should be Bengali instead of Russian and Ashoke and his mother simply do not take his word seriously. 375593 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782828 1.  What does this say about Gogol’s beliefs regarding a person's name?
    2. How do you think things would change for Gogol as a result of switching his name? ]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:04 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782828     3726741 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782846 The passage suggest that Gogol second guesses his original idea to change his name. It demonstrates that he is still naive and confused as a person. he believes that this change will allow him to discover his own identity. however, he has a moment of regret. This regret limits his ability to find his true identity.  
    1. Will changing his name officially create a separation between him and his father? 
    2. By changing his name, will his personality completely change?

    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:05 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782846     This passage displays the gap between Gogol and his parents, a gap that was once filled when Gogol was purely Gogol and not Nikhil. His parent's disapproval ties to the motif of identity as Gogol is becoming his own person and discovering his own identity without his parents. Gogol even chooses to defend his girlfriend and turn his back on his parents and their concerns. 347635 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782907
  • What does Gogol’s defiance to his parents reveal about his character?
  • What might Gogol’s defiance foreshadow about his future relationship with his parents?
    • ]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:15 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782907     This passage is important for it reveals the details and motives of Gogol"s "rebirth," to which Gogol attempts to become Nikhil. From this, we delve deeper into Gogol's struggle between being normal and being unique as well as being American and being Bengali. https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782922 1. How does Gogol being uncomfortable with his pet name affect his everyday life?
    2.  As Gogol's struggle intensifies, does he turn to more drastic measures to be more of what he wants to be?
    -Paris Lane]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:17 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782922     By depicting Gogol’s transitions between his two identities, Lahiri builds upon the motif of identity which is present throughout the novel. Gogol’s preference for Yale over Pemberton Road reveals his similarity to other American young people. Gogol’s expression of love for the Gothic architecture of Yale begins to explore his love of architecture. Finally, the depiction of Sonia’s troubling teenage years demonstrates the Americanization of the family. 347433 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782964
  • How were Sonia and Gogol similar and different as high schoolers?
  • What does Gogol’s preference for Yale over Pemberton Road reveal about his character?

    • ]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:20 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341782964     This passage is where Gogol makes a significant choice in his life to change his name leaving back millions of papers and signatures he did in his past. He realizes how easy it is to change his name and was so excited to greet people with his new name. However, he comes to realize that many people will still recognize him as Gogol. 3532792 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783043  
    1.  Do you feel Gogol instantly regretted the name change? 
    2.  Why didn’t he give the judge a more specific reason? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:30 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783043     This passage shows the contrast between Gogol’s Indian culture and his American culture. His discussion with Amit represents his resentment of the culture that was somewhat forced on him. This passage also highlights Gogol’s dual identities, and how his American identity overtakes his Indian one. 345381 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783118  
    1.  How do you think the panel Gogol attends will affect him in the future, if at all?
    2. What does Gogol’s resistance from joining an Indian association foreshadow about Gogol’s character? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:39 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783118     347388 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783130  The motif of identity is continued with this passage. The fact that there is a deeper meaning of Gogol's name makes Gogol think about his identity and past. 
     
    1. What does Gogol think about this new meaning of his name? Is it going to change who he is? 
    2. How is Gogol’s relationship with his father going to change if any? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:41 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783130     This passage has been built up to throughout the novel, as Ashoke’s memories of the train wreck and Gogol’s ignorance of it creates problems for both of them. When Gogol imagines himself in his father’s situation, he begins to recognize the nuances of having a father-son relationship. Gogol’s realization that he could have been without a father, and without a life, marks a start to his appreciation of his familial ties. 347433 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783160
  • Why does Ashoke decide to tell Gogol about the train accident at this point?
  • What does Gogol’s reaction to the train accident story reveal about his character?

    • ]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:45 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783160     Ashoke told Gogol the story about the train accident and the real reason that he is named “Gogol.” All this time growing up, Gogol didn’t understand why he was named after an author with a crappy life and now he is angry his father let him believe he was named after someone with a horrible life. Ashoke waiting to till Gogol this, might’ve now sparked his identity crisis in figuring out who he is. 3718001 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783172  
    1) Do you think Gogol’s reaction to finding out the true meaning behind his name changes how he feels about his name “Gogol”?

    2 If Gogol found out the real reason behind his name earlier, do you think he would still resent his name? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:45 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783172     This conveys that Gogol is being adventurous in a way that he's never been which connects with the motif of"identity". He's associating himself with this new identity “nikhil” and views himself as a whole new person. The “old “ Gogol would never do this, but the “new” him can do so much .He's changing his identity as a whole and finding his true self , as he believes. 345376 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783243
  •  Do you believe Gogol will always dissociate Nikhil and "Gogol" from each other?
  • Do you think his environment is changing him or he personally wants to do all this?

    • ]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:53 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783243     This passage supports the underlying theme of names and how names impact an individual's identity.Throughout the novel names are used to demonstrate the individuals ancestry and culture which Gogol doesn't feel he is apart of since he wasn't born in India. 177759 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783286 1. Why does Gogol not like the name his parents gave him?
    2. What is the purpose of Gogol changing his name and what does this reveal about his character?]]>     2019-03-15 14:44:59 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783286     Nikki Ahmadi https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783349 115 This passage reveals the importance of both telling and discovering the truth. Although Gogol is deeply infatuated with Ruth and wants to be with her, he does not see the relationship having a future. He cannot imagine telling his parents about her or bringing her home to them. He feels that he would be bringing her into Gogol’s home, not Nikhil’s.
    1.  Did he subconsciously avoid telling Ruth the truth about his name so that he wouldn’t have to worry about the seriousness of their relationship?
    2. Was he using his name as an excuse to not bring her home, or was it a matter of culture/race?
     
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:45:07 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783349     400791 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783608 This passage conveys the motif of sense of identity in that Gogol does not want to identify with his Indian culture and he is embarrassed by it. When the judge asks him why he wants to change his name he does not give him a complete reasoning. Revealing how by changing his name legally is his first step in shadowing his Indian culture. 


    1.  Is Gogol developing a new identity along with a new personality? 
    2. Is his environment an influence on the way he views his culture 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:45:36 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783608     This passage ties in to the motif of identity, train rides, and significance of names. Gogol was just on a train when someone committed suicide on the tracks, which he told his father about. Ashoke tells him what inspired him to give him the name "Gogol," which was his own bad experience on a train. Gogol is surprised because he didn’t think his name held so much significance. 3491831 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783670  
    1. Do you think Gogol’s relationship with his father will forever change now that Ashoke opened up to him?
    2. Do you think Gogol will carry guilt with him about changing his name? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:45:42 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783670     I picked this passage because Gogul finally makes clear that he is the only one ashamed of his name. Up until this point he has been feeling that people don’t take him seriously because of his name, but it was all in his head. In reality he was the only person who ridiculed himself because of the embarrassment he felt due to his odd name. 375593 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783828
  • What will come from Gogol’s disapproval of his “good” name?
  • If Gogol was holding himself back regarding his like for his name, why did he not act sooner?

    • ]]>     2019-03-15 14:46:00 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341783828     This passage changes the dynamic in the relationship between Gogol and his parents. His parents are taken back by the hatred that Gogol expresses towards his name. You can see the change in his character by claiming this new name and feeling like this new name will finally make him this new version of himself that he's always envisioned. Furthermore he will be able to start college without the anxiety and embarrassment of reactions of his name. https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784285 1. How will this impact Gogol's relationship with his parents in the future? 
    2. How much will him changing his name impact his everyday life? and was it worth it? 
    -Victoria Wissdorf ]]>     2019-03-15 14:46:53 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784285     This passage has a complete dynamic shift when Nikhil describes his experience on the train. The parallelism in the descriptions of both Gogol’s incident and Ashoke’s accident suggests that Gogol is more connected to his family than he thought. However, Gogol’s reaction to his father when Ashoke finally tells him the truth might foreshadow a hatred to develop in Gogol for his father because of Ashoke’s lies and all of the hurt that he caused Gogol as he was growing up. 347635 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784582 1. What does Gogol’s reaction to his father’s confession reveal about his character?
    2. What might the similarities between Gogol and Ashoke’s experience foreshadow about their relationship? ]]>     2019-03-15 14:47:25 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784582     Gogol appears before a judge in order to legally change his name to Nikhil. Although nervous, when the judge asked for Gogol’s reason for his change of name, Gogol responded that he had hated his name. This ties to the motif of identity because Gogol is able to realize he dislikes his name and takes action to improve his situation. 375593 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784690
  • What does Gogol's attitude towards the judge and changing his name reveal about his character?
  • Will Gogol tolerate people calling him by his old name?

    • ]]>     2019-03-15 14:47:36 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784690     This passage is important in order to recognize the relationship between Gogol and his parents. Gogol's discontent for his own name alarms his parents making the relationship uneasy. Gogol feels that his name is the reason that people don't treat him too well and becomes excited after deciding to go by his new name. He feels he will receive more respect under this new name. 3472111 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784753 1. Do you think this will make the relationship between Gogol and his parents stronger? Why or why not?
    2.Is Gogol crazy for thinking that by changing his name he will be a different person?]]>     2019-03-15 14:47:44 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784753     Nikki Ahmadi https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784775  This passage also reveals the importance of being transparent and truthful. Gogol is left in a state of shock after learning about his father’s accident. He feels almost like a burden, asking his father if he is a constant reminder of the accident. The name he despised for years suddenly gained new meaning. 

    1.  Would knowing his father’s story sooner have stopped him from changing his name?
    2. Does he have a new sense of appreciation for the name/does he want to change it back?
    3. In the future will he begin introductions by telling the truth about his name? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:47:47 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784775     While running around campus to change his name on all of his papers he still isn't used to his new name. Gogol feels strange going by “Nikhil” instead of “Gogol” and refuses to tell his roommates his real name. Gogol's hesitation to reveal his pet name to his roommates demonstrates Gogol feels ashamed and embarrassed. 177759 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784806 1.  How does Gogol feel about his new name and why?
    2. Do you think Gogol regrets his name change and if so why?]]>     2019-03-15 14:47:50 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341784806     This passage relates to the motif of identity by having him switch identities to reveal the conflict inside Gogol. Gogol’s story thus far has centered on him not fitting in anywhere, always sticking out wherever he went. This name change is an indicator that although the physical process of changing names is legally easy, it is emotionally hard as his world knows him as Gogol. 223090 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341785218
  •  Why does Gogol care so much about his name that he changes it to Nikolai?
  • What does the name change mean for Gogol’s character?

    • ]]>     2019-03-15 14:48:38 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341785218     As Ashoke is telling Gogol the truth behind his name, there is a feeling of disbelief. Gogol didn't want to understand what his father was telling him. Gogol felt as though he let his father down when he changed his name. There is a shift in their father and son relationship here. 3726741 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341785349 1.  Will the relationship between Ashoke and Gogol ever get better? 
    2. Will Gogol ever change his name back? ]]>     2019-03-15 14:48:53 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341785349     This passage shows a lot about Gogol’s character. He experiences a connection with Ruth, and realizes how different their lives were growing up. He also finally shared his experience with travelling to India with an American friend. 345381 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341785483  
    1.  Why has Gogol never shared his experiences with anyone else from America?
    2. What does Gogol’s trust with Ruth highlight about Gogol’s confidence in his background? 
    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:49:09 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341785483     His college life experience displays the motif of adventure in that he is finally seeking out and exploring the world for himself rather than going along with his parents regulations and customs they have set out for him. Thus showcasing how Gogol is taking actions for his own and learning new customs he was never exposed to. 400791 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341785888
  •  Do these decisions go against his family’s expectations for Gogol?
  • How can this display as a benefit for Gogol?

    • ]]>     2019-03-15 14:49:51 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341785888     This passage is important for Gogol finally says it out right that he hates his name, going against his Indian culture and traditions. From this, we can infer that Gogol may be quickly approach an identity crisis, to which he may struggle to feel as one person. https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341787060 1. If Gogol knew about the origin of his name, would he hate it as much as he currently does?
    2. Does Gogol only want to change his name to erase ties to his heritage and be solely American?
    -Paris Lane]]>     2019-03-15 14:51:33 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341787060     I picked this passage due to the fact it suggesting how Gogol “accommodated” to American culture, although he didn't have to, he felt the need to change his name as a result of the “backlash” of his name in the past. Furthermore it presents how much the american culture has impacted him and his view of himself. https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341787582 1. How much did him hating his name affect his every day life?
    2. Was changing his name a sign of weakness or strength? 
    -Victoria Wissdorf 

    ]]>     2019-03-15 14:52:19 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341787582     This passage is important due to the fact that it highlights the importance of ones name and the significance it has on them. This revealed that Gogol despises his name and wishes it was something different. 347593 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341788878 1. Will changing his name even make him less insecure ?

    2. Will Gogol grow to like his name?]]>     2019-03-15 14:54:21 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341788878     Zeline Geiling https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341791401  Through Gogol’s thoughts , it is revealed that he is self-conscious about his American accent in India and also self-conscious about his lack of understanding Indian culture. Growing up in American and being immersed in American culture, he finds it hard to not only identify but also accept his Indian side. Thus contributing to his resentment of it as a whole. 

    Q: If Gogol was raised in India for part of his life would he be able to connect with his Indian side? 

    Q: If Gogol had more family in America, would it be easier for him to understand his culture better? ]]>     2019-03-15 14:58:47 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341791401     This passage is extremely important because it shows Gogol actually doing something about the name he hates by getting it changed. He was surprised by how easy it was to change and feels like he is a new person reborn as Nikhil. 3472111 https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341792911 1.Do you think Gogol will regret this name change?
    2.Do you think his peers will respect his new name or will they continue to call him Gogol?

    ]]>     2019-03-15 15:00:58 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/341792911     Zach Kaplan https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/342442416 This passage alludes to the motif of identity and names. It suggests Gogol’s reasons for changing his name. Through the actions of his parents, it can be inferred that they are not content with him changing his name. However, Gogol does it anyways. Through this we learn that his name has conflicted with him so much that he went against his parents wishes.
    1.  Why was it so important for Gogol to change his name?
    2. Why don't Gogol’s parents embrace the fact he wants to change his name?
    3. How have Gogol’s experiences influenced why he wants to change his name?
    ]]>     2019-03-18 15:04:19 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/342442416     Zach Kaplan https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/342447858 This passage ties to the motif of character. Throughout this passage, Gogol is deeply conflicted with his love for Ruth and feelings of his parents. Gogol feels as if his family will not approve of Ruth as his relationship is not very serious. This results in a deep inner conflict with himself.

    1.  What is the significance of Gogol and Ruth being together?
    2. Why can't Gogol tell his parents about Ruth?
    3. What does this tell you about how Gogol’s character has changed?
    ]]>     2019-03-18 15:14:04 UTC https://padlet.com/nathaniel_c_rockwood/b3tap7kkkcok/wish/342447858