One of the first things that caught my eye was "In history class, Gogol had learned that European immigrants had their name changed at Ellis Island, that slaves renamed themselves once they were emancipated."(5.1)
This quote makes Gogols name change sound so important, so life changing, like it's some rite of passage. Which ends up slightly being the case when Gogol went to University, and he was able to in a way, reclame his Identity, or perhapes even fabricate his identity.It's just unfortunate that his life changing identity, became your basic teen at college, smoking, drinking, having sex. If given the opportunity and willingness to change my name, I would make sure to make me people remember me (In a positive way of course!)Although, when he went back home and visited friends/family, he had to return to the notion of his original name, Gogol. Which must have been difficult and tiring.
Another example of Identity becoming individualizing is through religion and tradition, this is shown with Max, Gogols second girlfriend.(I would also like to point out how rude it was of Maxine to say that Gogol can't always live with his parents, when Maxine is still living with hers! Double Standard much!) Anyways, the differences in religion and tradition basically are shown through family activities, Maxine's family "Plays boardgames on rainy afternoons, watches shooting stars at night" (155). Gogol explains that this is something his family has never felt the need to do.
Thanks for reading! Can't wait to hear feedback and read your comments.
I get your point, it is a little disappointing that Gogol feels so strongly about changing his name yet does nothing special with the new burst of confidence. He just becomes the average uni-student. In the book it's also clear that he is the only one who has a problem with his name, no one cares what he is name, its not holding him back with anyone else. He's holding himself back.. I'm rambling a little-sorry., but Yes If i ever were to change my name I'd want people to remember me for something good and special./
ReplyDeleteI get your point, it is a little disappointing that Gogol feels so strongly about changing his name yet does nothing special with the new burst of confidence. He just becomes the average uni-student. In the book it's also clear that he is the only one who has a problem with his name, no one cares what he is name, its not holding him back with anyone else. He's holding himself back.. I'm rambling a little-sorry., but Yes If i ever were to change my name I'd want people to remember me for something good and special./
ReplyDeleteHi Kelsie, I agree with what you stated about Gogol's new name turning him into the stereotypical Uni student, and furthering to fabricate his identity. I feel as though Gogol is so caught up with wanting to fit into American society and following the social norms that he puts himself out there to do what he thinks is the American-teenage-way? (Drinking, smoking, sex). What I don't understand is why Gogol feels like an outcast? He's lived in the states his entire life yet still feels as if he isn't entirely American. This may have been a huge factor in deciding for changing his name, making him feel more "American" with a new name.
ReplyDeleteHi, great blog post!.I agree with you about Gogol's name change. It is kinda sad how after Gogol goes through such a struggle to change his name, he just becomes someone who smokes, drinks has sex all the time and neglects everything else in his life. Also the point with Maxine, it had never registered in my mind until you brought it up and yes, such a double standard. Kinda makes me think what isn't a double standard nowadays.
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