When Gogol changed his name, his personality became a whole lot more rebellious and free. His actions as Nikhil are no longer affected by the wishes and wants of his parents. Through his relationship with Ruth and especially Maxine, evident is the fact that Nick has a complete disregard for Bengali culture. On one hand, he has never seen his parents show physical affection while Gogol, on the other hand is living with his girlfriend in the same house as her parents and maintaining a sexual relationship.
Upon the death of his father, Ashoke, Gogol goes through another transition. His value for family boosts. He no longer shows the same affection for Maxine as he had done in the past. "It's a family thing," Gogol repeats when discussing his fathers funeral. He also moves in to his home in Cambridge and out of Maxine's. When Maxine requests Nick to proceed with the vacation they'd planned in the near future, he turns it down. I wonder if his lack of kindness to his girlfriend is due entirely to his devastation. I feel like Gogol felt guilty for dating Max even though his passed father and alive mother never really liked her.
Soon after they break up, in an attempt to appease his mother, Gogol meets with his childhood Indian "friend," Mo. When they begin to date, it becomes clear that Gogol it really taking Ashima's desires into account as he had never done before. Ashoke's death truly brings Gogol to set his priorities to family as had refused to do in the past.
Upon the death of his father, Ashoke, Gogol goes through another transition. His value for family boosts. He no longer shows the same affection for Maxine as he had done in the past. "It's a family thing," Gogol repeats when discussing his fathers funeral. He also moves in to his home in Cambridge and out of Maxine's. When Maxine requests Nick to proceed with the vacation they'd planned in the near future, he turns it down. I wonder if his lack of kindness to his girlfriend is due entirely to his devastation. I feel like Gogol felt guilty for dating Max even though his passed father and alive mother never really liked her.
Soon after they break up, in an attempt to appease his mother, Gogol meets with his childhood Indian "friend," Mo. When they begin to date, it becomes clear that Gogol it really taking Ashima's desires into account as he had never done before. Ashoke's death truly brings Gogol to set his priorities to family as had refused to do in the past.
Hey, Dave, quality stuff man. I strongly agree that Ashoke's death has brought Gogol back to appreciating his family. I believe that he is now at a happy median between doing what he wants with his life and appeasing his family. Something that I think is essential for everyone that has a family unit. I think his rekindling with Mo isn't solely for his mom though. I believe that he misses having a lady in his life. Maxine was a big deal for him and now that that space is empty he's willing to fill that void. Lucky for him and his mom that it's someone they're both into.
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