The Namesake Love Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

Like a kiss or caress in a Hindi movie, a husband's name is something intimate and therefore unspoken, cleverly patched over. (1.2)

Ashima and Ashoke's relationship may not be as physically affectionate as, say, the Ratliffs', but they have other ways of showing affection, and they seem deeply, totally in love.

Quote #2

It is as Nikhil that he loses his virginity at a party at Ezra Stile, with a girl wearing a plaid woolen skirt and combat boots and mustard tights. (5.33)

Gogol can only get up the confidence to hit on girls with his new name, Nikhil. Is that because he thinks the name Gogol is just plain unattractive, or because a new identity makes him bolder?

Quote #3

He cannot imagine coming from such parents, such a background, and when he describes his own upbringing it feels bland by comparison. (5.52)

The first girls Gogol dates are not Indian, and it is their American-ness that attracts him. This particular girl, for example, is from Maine and has divorced parents, which would be unthinkable in Bengali society, so to Gogol it's exciting and exotic.