The Namesake (Jhumpa Lahiri) has Gogol as the protagonist, who is forced to adapt in many different environments. These include Calcutta; the apartments that he occupied during his college years, and Maxine, his former girlfriend’s house. Gogol’s Indian-born parents, Ashima & Ashoke were the same age as Gogol. Gogol’s parents and Gogol had different views of home because of the difference in their upbringing. Gogol struggled internally as the clash of his Bengali heritage with new American values caused him to question where he truly belonged.
Gogol’s family began making infrequent visits to Calcutta in India when he was a child. This is where Ashima and Ashoke lived. Either they would visit their relatives or travel because of a recent family death. Gogol, unlike his parents, never thought of Calcutta to be his home. They dreaded going there, and especially that eight-month journey they took when Gogol had just finished 10th grade. “…is labelled with the Alipore address for his father as Gogol’s temporary home. Gogol finds labels to be unsettling. They make him think that his family does not really live at Pemberton Road. Sonia says in English “I’m scared Goggles,” while holding her brother’s hand. Ashima, Ashoke, and their son Nikhil were all named Gogol. They tried to maintain Bengali traditions while they lived in America. Gogol was not aware of the Bengali tradition and chose to go against his parents.
Gogol did not consider his Calcutta heritage home as his parents did. He was raised in America and surrounded with American ideals. Gogol moves to a New Haven dormitory with two other roommates after he graduates from high school and gets accepted into Yale. In Chapter 5 he often visits his parents on Pemberton Road but one weekend declares New Haven to be home. Ashima, who is horrified by his comment, dwells on it for the rest of the day. This is an example of his parents referring to India always, while their children adapt and find comfort in other environments. Gogol says that “…his Yale room is where [he] most feels comfortable.” (194). Gogol is able to find temporary comfort in his Yale dormitory, rather than at his childhood home. He also seems more adaptable when it comes to moving places.
Maxine’s parents home in New York was another place where Gogol became accustomed. He spent much time in Maxine’s home, either as a guest or at a dinner hosted by Maxine and Gerald’s parents. Gogol’s request to live with Maxine is granted. He adapts very quickly to Ratliffs’ lifestyle, and the more relaxed attitude they have. Lahiri writes: “And yet there he is, day after day, a welcoming addition to Ratliffs’ Universe, doing just this.” Gogol delays going to Pemberton Rd to visit his parents, choosing instead to spend the weekend with Maxine. The fact that Gogol felt more comfortable in Maxine’s Greek Revival home suggests that he had a new definition of what home was. The novel also has a theme of families placing their last name above the mailbox or door to their house, which Gogol didn’t do in his apartment with Maxine. Lahiri reveals that the apartment he lived in at the moment was not his home. His answering-machine continues to record messages. He continues receiving his mail there in a nameless box.
Gogol is a man who travels and has lived in many places, including India and America. It seems that he has always changed where he considers home to be. Changes in goals, girlfriends, or desires caused it to change. Some places are easier to adapt to than others, such the Ratliffs house. Others, however, can be more difficult.
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