So since we're not allowed to use any dictionaries during the test (COUGH COUGH Kalli), I won't be defining what alienation is or why I think the definition works in specific situations. However, I believe alienation is when someone or a group of people become out of touch with their loved ones or those that they previously interacted with. If you look at the points characters feel alienated from one another, you see that alienation plays a major role in one specific thing: character development.
For example, there are two really good points where a character feels alienated from others. First, when Ashima first was on her own after her husbands death. Second, when Gogol's father died. When I looked at what each character was feeling at these points in the book, I realized they were both coming to grips with their surroundings and learning more about themselves as individuals. In essence, alienation is used in the book as a form of character development.
Going back to the examples I referenced. After Ashoke's death, and Ashima's subsequent time spent alone on Pemberton Road, Ashima was most certainly alienated. Gogol would only call once or twice a week, and Sonia was off in California doing god-know's what. This time was transformative for her, as she came to the realization that her alienation marked a turning point in her life. She was no responsible for anyone, or anything, other than herself. She realized how her children could relish in a life that they had utter control over. For example, she realized that her children's search for love before marriage (as unreasonable and foreign as it seemed), was something that she can appreciate. She also realized, through her alienation, that she would miss her life on Pemberton Road, as much as she detested it when she first moved there.
For Gogol, his alienation worked much in the same way. After his fathers death, he was alienated in his late father's apartment in Ohio. This period was transformative for Gogol. He realized things about his father that he did not previously know. His brief period of isolation gave him the chance to become close to his father and family. He developed to realize his importance and closeness to his family that grew out of his isolation.
Ultimately, the role of alienation in this book was to provide the characters with a chance to realize the truths in their lives and grow from them.
For example, there are two really good points where a character feels alienated from others. First, when Ashima first was on her own after her husbands death. Second, when Gogol's father died. When I looked at what each character was feeling at these points in the book, I realized they were both coming to grips with their surroundings and learning more about themselves as individuals. In essence, alienation is used in the book as a form of character development.
Going back to the examples I referenced. After Ashoke's death, and Ashima's subsequent time spent alone on Pemberton Road, Ashima was most certainly alienated. Gogol would only call once or twice a week, and Sonia was off in California doing god-know's what. This time was transformative for her, as she came to the realization that her alienation marked a turning point in her life. She was no responsible for anyone, or anything, other than herself. She realized how her children could relish in a life that they had utter control over. For example, she realized that her children's search for love before marriage (as unreasonable and foreign as it seemed), was something that she can appreciate. She also realized, through her alienation, that she would miss her life on Pemberton Road, as much as she detested it when she first moved there.
For Gogol, his alienation worked much in the same way. After his fathers death, he was alienated in his late father's apartment in Ohio. This period was transformative for Gogol. He realized things about his father that he did not previously know. His brief period of isolation gave him the chance to become close to his father and family. He developed to realize his importance and closeness to his family that grew out of his isolation.
Ultimately, the role of alienation in this book was to provide the characters with a chance to realize the truths in their lives and grow from them.
Hi Dylan, Dylan here. Off the bat I have to agree with you because well I make the same points. I kinda got confused because for a sec I thought I was reading my own blog, just a RIP and a half. Still catches me off guard in class too, always have to wait for the "brown" to follow or nottt. Upon reading this I'm sorry to say that your hole has grown three sizes tonight, nothing personal I just have that effect shit dawg with such a cool name I bet ya do too. Jokes aside this blog nails the exact and main point of alienation in the Namesake. It really is all about character development! Would have loved to get to know ya, all of your junior class seemed to love ya! Keep killin' it over at Brown best of luck!
ReplyDeleteHey Dylan!
DeleteThanks for the love, and I gotta say the Junior, now Senior :'), class is pretty great (I'll be there for graduation!!!).
Hope you continue to enjoy reading my profanity-lade blog posts!