The Namesake: Symbolism

Symbolism in ‘The Namesake’

The Overcoat

The overcoat that belongs to Ashoke is a significant symbol in the novel. It represents the idea of survival and lasting the American winter.
Its importance is underlined by the fact that Ashoke was clutching Nikolai Gogol’s short story “The Overcoat” in his hands during the train accident that almost claimed his life.
In the narrative, the overcoat comes to symbolise Ashoke’s life before America, and his persistent clinging to it suggests his unwillingness to completely let go of his past.

Train and Train Tracks

The theme of trains and train tracks in ‘The Namesake’ is rich with symbolism, perhaps most notably symbolising journey and transition.
Ashoke’s near-fatal train accident and his later migration to America mirror the concept of life-altering journeys.
The recurrent image of the train tracks also points towards the uncertainty of life and the constant movement of the characters in different directions.

Gogol’s Name

In this novel, names, particularly Gogol’s name, carry a wealth of symbolic meaning. Gogol’s name symbolises the dual identity crisis that the character faces as a second-generation immigrant.
His unusual name also marks his difference and alienation within American society.
The burden Gogol feels because of his name is symptomatic of the broader struggle of reconciling his bicultural identity.

The Letter from Ashima’s Grandmother

The letter from Ashima’s grandmother that was lost in the mail represents the lost ties and misunderstood traditions between the characters and their native land.
Its loss underlines the unavoidable gaps created by geographical distance and cultural dislocation.

Remember, in ‘The Namesake’, symbolism is exceedingly central to the narrative and can add depth to your understanding and examination of the themes explored in the novel.