Lahiri is considered a highly regarded Indian writer for her diasporic literature. Google the concept 'diaspora'. Then select the correct option.

Jhumpa Lahiri is documenting the tug-o-war between the Indian and American culture a Bengali family who has emigrated to the USA. We could call this theme an identity...?

In her narrative structure, what effect does Lahiri create?

What type of immigrants do Ashima and Ashoke represent in the novel? _____ generation

The novel's central conflict focuses on Ashima and Ashoke being torn between self-recognition and integration in America. Which adjective starting with describes their new land?

What characterises the tension in the narrative?

What is the symbolic importance of the opening chapter with Ashima? 

The opening chapter creates tension because it portrays Ashima in a state of ....?

Ashima may be living in America, but her emotions, thoughts and feelings (her 'baggage') is still in India. What narrative device is used to continue the tension?

Which of the following problems causes Ashima's inner conflict.

Later on in the novel, Ashima's husband (Ashoke) dies. Once again, her identity is....

How does Lahiri portray Ashima's character in the initial development of the narrative?

Although Ashima does eventual adapt to the mainstream way of life in America, what does she not do completely from her origins? 

Towards the end of the novel, what does the reader observe in the characterisation of Ashima?

Because of Ashima's exposure to transcultural and transnational culture, what has happened to her identity?

Why is the train crash such an significant event in The Namesake?

Which of the following incidents did NOT change Ashoke's identity in a significant way?

"My grandfather always says that's what books are for". Gogol says this about the power of reading. 

"To travel without moving an inch" Ashoke marks this remark upon realising the constraints of his confinement after the train accident. 

Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of the train crash event on the character of Ashoke?

What does the train crash, then the upheaval to America suggest about the formation of identity?

Which adjective best describes Gogol's identity as a mix of cultures?

The main character, Gogol, is named after...

Gogol finds that he does not fit into either the American or Indian culture. His name symbolises that he does not b_______. Choose an appropriate verb to finish this analysis.

How is Gogol's search for identity similar to that of Ashima?

Which character helps Gogol to find some sort of identity in the Namesake and why?

What was significant about Gogol's relationship with Maxine?

Gogol sees Maxine as in ___________ of her relationships with both of her parents. 

How could we describe the nature of Maxine's cultural identity?

How is Moushumi similar to Gogol on a spiritual level?

How could we summarise the narrative tension in the Namesake?

The central conflict occurs because the second generation immigrants (Moushumi, Sonia and Gogol) freely choose their cultural identity. 

An example of forcing Bengali culture onto Gogol is....

When Ashima and Ashoke close their eyes, what unsettles them? What makes them feel out of place?

What is significant about Moushumi in the novel?

Moushumi denies being constrained by strict Bengali traditions such as being the typical Bengali wife. 

When learn that Moushimi had rejected the idea of marrying a Bengali man when she was younger. 

Why does Moushumi end up marrying Gogol?

Which concept defines Moushumi's dual identity? A cultural _____

The essence of the Namesake can be summed up by the deconstruction, construction and reconstruction of hybrid identities. 

Ashoke's traumatic past experience in India compelled him to move to America. What does this suggest about a person's mindset?

What challenge does Ashima constantly face in terms of reforming her identity throughout the novel?

Ashima never adopts a hybrid identity in The Namesake

Gogol's spiritual reflection by the end of the novel:

it is possible to be Bengali and American simultaneously. 

Moushumi's narrative dilemma focuses on resisting her cultural role as a Bengali wife. 

What also causes conflict in the relationships between first generation immigrant parents and their second generation American born children?

Throughout the novel, Lahiri uses figurative language. Her word choices are vivid and detailed descriptions of...

Ashima’s hunger during her pregnancy for a specific type of Indian snack, and the multicourse meals she routinely prepares for guests, evoke her h.... (feeling of missing India). 

Why did Lahiri made her main character an architect, someone who would pay special attention to the symmetry and grace of historic buildings?

Gogol Ganguli’s unusual name is one of the most prominent symbols in the novel. Why?