His deeper nature is also revealed through his life-changing encounter with the businessman who urges him to travel and the subsequent train accident. Ashoke's deeper nature, however, is revealed through his love of Russian literature.

In most cases in the book, he is referred to as being at work. Ashoke is a rather stoic and reserved individual who plays the traditional role of distant father and breadwinner. The raucous parties she throws for her Bengali friends punctuate the Ganguli family's life over the course of three decades.Īshoke Ganguli : Ashoke is Ashima's husband and the father of Gogol and Sonia. These Bengali friends become something of a surrogate extended family for Ashima. She also maintains her roots by practicing Hindu rituals and making predominantly Bengali friends. Still, Ashima cooks predominantly Indian food and visits India every few years. However, over time, she grows accustomed to her life in America, even celebrating Christmas and Easter for her children. After her arrival in America, Ashima is extremely homesick she is afraid to raise her child in America without the support of her family. In their entire married life together, Ashima never addressed her husband directly as Ashoke, a reflection of Indian tradition. She worked as an English tutor before entering into an arranged marriage with Ashoke. Indeed, Ashima adored living in India with her sprawling family. She represents the traditional Indian values and lifestyle that Gogol grows to resent. Ashima Ganguli : Ashima is Ashoke's wife and the mother of Gogol and Sonia.

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