The Namesake By Jhumpa Lahiri

There is never one main character that is the cause of every aspect of the story; secondary characters are just as important. In the case of the Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, Ashoke plays an important part of the overall work being a secondary character. Not only does Ashoke’s crash in the train launch the events leading up to the upbringing of the family, but Ashoke’s death also unifies the family and allows the family to grow. The accident with the train brought up within the first pages of the novel catalyzes the family that comes shortly after. Coincidently, before the train crash when Ashoke was suggested to get up and leave, the man said, “ You will not regret it; one day it’ll be too late,” (Lahiri 16). The experience displayed to him how fleeting life can be; that
As Ashima recounts the news of Ashoke’s death, a realization occurs, “Now I know why he went to Cleveland, he was teaching me how to live alone,” (Lahiri 183). Before Ashoke passed away, Ashima was dependent on Ashoke for everything; not only with expenses but for companionship. With Ashoke gone, Ashima beings to build stability finding a job and depending solely on the house as the distraction. Ashoke leaving allowed Ashima to assume the role as an independent woman and eventually return to Calcutta. Had Ashoke not died in Cleveland, Ashima would still be distanced from the kids and reliant on Ashoke. As for Gogol, the tragic event brought back the love for the family. For instance, when Maxine proposed that Gogol leaves as soon as possible, Gogol responds, “I don’t want to get away,” (Lahiri 182). Had Ashoke not died, Gogol would still be ignoring the family and continuing blissfully with Maxine. The situation made Gogol realize why the family is important, and that family won’t be there forever. One day Gogol’s family will dwindle, and Ashoke’s death brought back the love Gogol had neglected for the