The Namesake by Jhumpa LahiriJhumpa Lahiri in The Namesake illustrates Gogol's assimilation as a second-generation American immigrant, where Gogol faces the assimilation of becoming an American. Throughout the novel, Gogol struggled with his name. From kindergarten to college, Gogol wondered why he was called Nikhil when he was a child, why he was called Gogol when he was in college. Having a Russian name, Gogol often encounters questions from people around him, who ask him the reason for his name. Gogol was not given an Indian name by his Indian family or an American name by the fact that he was born in America, to emphasize that no matter how hard an individual tries to assimilate into a different culture, he is still tied to his roots as a person. he is ethnically. In the conversation between Gogol, his kindergarten teacher, and Gogol's father, Gogol is confused and rejects his name as Nikhil. “She bends down so that her face is level with his and holds out a hand on his shoulder: “Can you tell me how old you are, Nikhil?” When the question is repeated and there is no answer,…” Second these documents, your son's legal name is Gogol",... "what do you want us to call him Nikhil?" "Exactly."..."Are you happy to start primary school, Gogol?" "my parents want me to has another name at school", "and you, Gogol? Do you want to be called by another name?" after a pause he shakes his head. "Is that a no?" he nods. "Yes." "(p.58-59). During his childhood, Gogol's parents want him to assimilate into society faster, demanding that his name at school be Nikhil. By changing his name to Nikhil, people can easily refer to him as "Nik" or "Nick", an easier name for him... middle of paper... or assimilate into society by entering school with a more acceptable, but Gogol refuses. Society's acceptance pushed him to change his name in college and hide Gogol from society. Until the day Gogol understands why his father chose to call him Gogol instead of an Indian or American name, Gogol has experienced many changes, as a second generation American immigrant. Gogol was assimilated into a different culture than ethnically. Ultimately, through his family, Gogol returned to his roots. Gogol was not given an Indian name by his Indian family or an American name since he was born in America, to emphasize that an individual tries to assimilate into a different culture, but is ultimately still tied to his roots as a person who has ethnically it is. Works Cited Lahari, Jhumpa. The namesake Boston, New York. Sailor's books, 2004