Big changes for Nikhil

The Namesake has changed greatly from chapter one to where I am now, at the end of chapter six. Nikhil has changed greatly as a character as well. In his time at Yale and Columbia, he began to move even further from his parents. He decided to mostly avoid The Bengali culture that he grew up with. He hated the large dinner parties with huge families and annoying kids. Most of all, he hated how his mom made obscene amounts of food for the whole party and never catered to her guests. He is disgusted that his mom eats with her mouth open most of the time. 

Aside from disliking the Bengali culture, he in fact loved the American culture and the mixtures of European heritage and influence. He enjoys the diverse architecture that he sees in New York City and other cities outside of Boston. He might like these different designs solely because of his parent's hatred for them. Many of his decisions are for the same reason, for example him changing his name instead of leaving it as Gogol. Also the complete Americanization of his whole life, for instance his English accent and when his parents speak to him in Bengali, "he waves and drives off, pretending not to hear" (150). Even his girlfriend, Maxine, cannot believe that he is related to his parents. The interesting thing is that he is happy with that, and he is glad to be disconnected from his parents. 

Throughout chapter six, Nikhil seems to be doing pretty well. He has a girlfriend that he loves and her parents seem pretty awesome. He has been at a lake house and has had one of the best times of his life. He loves the lifestyle that the Ratliffs live, but he is harshly reminded of what awaits him at home when he encounters one of the Ratliffs neighbors who tries to ask "at what age he moved from America to India" (157). She even believes that "the climate wouldn't effect [him], given [his] heritage" (157). He is offended by her upfront nature, but keeps his cool and escapes her sharp questions. Nikhil has endured a lot of pressure, but it seems so far that he is being repaid with a new pseudo-adopted family and separation from his parents.

Hamlet Reimagined in a Modern War

The setting of a fictional modern war can conform to many of the plot points in Hamlet. The state of war provides the tension that they are receiving from Norway, and the hierarchy in Hamlet can easily be replicated in a military rank style. I envision Claudius as a general in the Denmark Military. He killed another General, Hamlet's father, in order to replace him and marry his wife. Although the country he serves is behind him, his nephew knows his plans. As a Sergeant, Hamlet has to keep his reputation, but still wants to do something about his uncle.

In Act 2, Scene 2, the setting is Claudius' office full of papers and maps covering medals that he did not earn. Claudius sends out spies (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern) to learn more about Hamlet's plans. The spies always speak to their superiors respectfully and salute as they enter and leave. Gertrude thanks them politely and because Claudius is such a high ranking officer, he always has hand servants around. Polonius fits in very well as a military advisor, because he is constantly giving everyone advice. The military report that he receives from Voltemand will coincide well with the military theme. Hamlet is superior to Polonius in rank, so it is suitable for him to be casual when they have their one on one conversation. And the book that he is reading could be a military history of old generals.

Hamlet is so easily transferable from theme to theme and allows a lot of flexibility within its words.