Sunday, 30 November 2014
Questions
What do you think the purpose of having such a high focus on romantic and intimate relationships was in this novel?
The second generation of Bengali's are often criticized for being ungrateful for their family and disrespectful of their culture. Which perspective do you sympathize with most; that of the children or that of the parents? Why?
What do you think this novel says about ageing, the passing of time and the changes that come hand in hand with the two?
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I feel more sympathized with the children but only to a certain extent. I can relate because my family moved to Canada from Russia before I was born. I feel that the children are finding it hard to connect to the culture because it's not where they grew up and recognize like their parents do, but I do agree that there is no excuse for them to totally disconnect from their culture as Gogol did when living with Maxine. I feel that there should be a balance between the relationship of where their family came from and where they are living now.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Janna. My opinion may be slightly biased seeing as my family has resided in Canada for many generations, however I do believe that Gogol has a certain right to find his own identity. Part of being a young adult is trying to figure out who you are as a person, which Gogol tries very hard to do. What I do not agree with is his complete rejection of the Bengali culture. Although it is important to find your own way in life and make your own traditions cultural background should always be respected and remembered. If Gogol did not want to do so for himself, then he should have for his parents, who worked very hard for everything they had and everything they gave to their children.
Deleteresponse to question 1: I think the purpose of the relationships is to help define Gogol's character. Just like the characters in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gogol has a need to be needed. Gogol's incessant rejection of his parents Bengali ways and heritage has left him with a whole to fill. Who is Gogol without his Bengali background. HE uses the relationships to help fill his empty personality.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a very interesting point, Nathan. I agree with you that I think he is trying to fill some sort of empty space and the idea that it is the lack of culture is an interesting perspective. Personally I think that is just the beginning; maybe because of Gogol's desire to separate from his families culture he feels lost. Almost as if because he has strain so far the Bengali identity, and since he does not completely identify with the American identity, (although he tries but according to him his name interferes) he is lost and does not quite know himself. For this reason he indulges himself in short term romantic or intimate relationships in an attempt to fill some sort of lack of self-actualizing void.
DeleteI sympathize more towards the parents. As a first generation Canadian, I have seen firsthand the impact of the immigration experience. The change has mostly psychological impacts, to being apart from family, friends, and having to drastically change your lifestyle. Someone's entire life is changed within a blink of an eye, and it is all done to ensure the success of their family members and to improve their quality of life. I am very grateful for the sacrifices my parents have made by moving to Canada, knowing I have so much more opportunities that would never be accessible back in Morocco. The least I could do to repay them is to at least acknowledging my heritage and taking an interest in my background.
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