An Open Mind

In class this week, we have thoroughly discussed the complicated marital relationship between Gogol and Moushumi in Jhumpa Lahiri's 2003 fiction novel The Namesake. Although many people believe that Gogol and Moushumi have equal faults in the deterioration of their relationship, I believe that Moushumi signifies a parallel of Gogol during his late teenage years and therefore, due to her lack of maturity now, should take much of the responsibility for the downfall of the relationship. As Moushumi reflects on her past relationships and her current relationship with Gogol, the third-person omniscient narrator notes, "There is something appealing to her about this prospect, to make a clean start in a place where no one knows her" (254). The contemplative tone juxtaposes with deceptive diction in the phrase "no one" to indirectly characterize her as fleeting and ever changing, not settling for the life given to her. This concept relates to Gogol's decision to change his name earlier in the book, specifically when the narrator states, "now that he's Nikhil it's easier to ignore his parents" (105). The narrator describes a college student's apparent rebellion against his past life, and his desire to change the commonality that surrounds him, which indirectly characterizes Gogol as rebellious and changing. This draws a parallel to Moushumi's actions in their relationship, and indirectly characterizes her as immature for sharing the same qualities and characteristics as an eighteen year old male. As the couple go out for their first anniversary dinner Moushumi abruptly states, "'It's not what I thought it would be," to which Gogol replies, "'Let's just enjoy ourselves'" (252). Moushumi's statement acts as a metaphor for her and Gogol's relationship, indirectly characterizing her as a person who has unrealistic expectations in of life. This juxtaposes with Gogol's view on the relationship, for he simply wants to create an illusion of happiness, which illustrates his attempt to bring the relationship together, even if his attempts do not appear vehement. Ultimately, Lahiri writes to those who struggle with their identities in order to illustrate the need to accept life with open arms and an open mind.