How does Ashima adapt to American culture?

Initially rejecting Western norms, Ashima takes over certain American (individualist) principles during her residence in America. The Western values are modified in the process of their adoption, being filtered through collectivistic cultural grids.

What does Ashima do?

As the years go by, Ashima is the glue that keeps the family together. And when her children leave the nest and adopt aspects of the American lifestyle, it must be hard to watch. She and Sonia clash when Sonia hits high school and has a budding social life.

What ethnicity of India are Ashoke and Ashima from?

Bengali
“The Namesake” tells the story of Ashoke and Ashima Ganguly (played by distinguished Indian film actors Irrfan Khan and Tabu), a Bengali couple who move from their home in Kolkata to follow Ashoke’s career to New York City.

How does Ashima feel about life in the United States?

Lesson Summary She is hit with culture shock as she and her husband start a new life in America. Ashima is proud of her Indian roots and seems baffled by her children’s easement in America. It takes her a long time to settle into her new life.

How do Ashoke and Ashima give in to American customs?

How do Ashoke and Ashima give in to American customs? They wear American clothes. They buy season tickets to sporting events. They let Sonia and Gogol choose American food at the supermarket.

How would you describe Ashima in The Namesake?

In The Namesake Ashima Ganguli is Ashoke’s wife and the mother of Gogol and Sonia. She is hit with culture shock as she and her husband start a new life in America. Ashima is proud of her Indian roots and seems baffled by her children’s easement in America. It takes her a long time to settle into her new life.

What is significant about the action of Ashima putting her feet in the shoes?

Ashima’s urge to put on Ashoke’s shoes in secret indicates a romantic curiosity and boldness that ultimately drives her decision to accept this marriage proposal, one which will take her far from home, and which she may later regret.

What is the theme of The Namesake?

Gogol engages in a constant struggle to remain loyal to both worlds. Hence, the major theme portrayed in the novel is one of identity. This them is illustrated vividly by examining the importance of one’s culture and background, gender, and name as the definition of patriarchal lineage and destiny in life.

Who is Ashima?

Asima was a West Semitic goddess of fate related to the Akkadian goddess Shimti (“fate”), who was a goddess in her own right but also a title of other goddesses such as Damkina and Ishtar. Damkina, for example, was titled banat shimti, “creator of fate”.

What color is Ashima?

pink
Ashima is a large pink tank engine, who worked on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and then Indian Railways. She was one out of many engines to participate in the Great Railway Show and competed in the Shunting Challenge.

What does Ashima teach Gogol from their Indian heritage?

The August that Gogol turns five, Ashima becomes pregnant again. Bedridden and nauseated once more, she spends much of her days watching American daytime television or reading to Gogol, educating him about his Indian heritage or teaching him to recite Bengali poetry.