Moushumi: Victim of Circumstance or Narcissistic Jerk?

In our discussion today the majority of the class took one of two stances on Moushumi's actions thus far in the book. We either sympathized with her for her troublesome past, or criticized her for her self-centered actions. I myself support the latter opinion, however I find it fascinating that the same information can inspire such contradicting opinions. In The Namesake, Moushumi has vowed to “never grow fully dependent on her husband, as her mother has,” thus revealing the inspiration for her actions (247). While some would choose to sympathize her for the apparent lack of a strong mother figure and for attempting to learn from her mother’s mistakes, I find her method to avoid the situation her mother has entered appalling. She has abandoned one extreme, complete submission to the husband, and gone subconsciously to the other, taking complete control of the relationship. She believes that she has not become completely independent because she makes decisions based on her marriage, such as her decision that she could not go to France for the sake of her marriage (246). Yet, in reality Moushumi has made this decision completely on her own, without giving Gogol an opportunity to state his opinion on the idea, and instead assumes he would say no and therefore grows angry and begins to act out. Many would sympathize with Moushumi for giving up something so appealing and exciting for her husband, yet I only see Moushumi’s complete disregard for Gogol’s opinions. If Moushumi actually felt her relationship was strong and legit, she would put deep consideration into Gogol’s suggestions, rather than simply not informing him of the situation. Finally Moushumi continues to grow more and more depressed as her relationship with Gogol continues, when Gogol attempts to help and asks “‘What’s the matter,’” she simply blows him off (252). Some would immediately sympathize for the position Moushumi has found herself in, stuck and depressed in an unhappy relationship with Gogol, however she chooses not to explain how she feels to Gogol. Here rather than attempting to mend her relationship with Gogol through cooperation she selfishly keeps her feelings to herself, sacrificing her relationship with Gogol simply to avoid and awkward situation. I personally find Moushumi a narcissistic, egocentric person who does not deserve my sympathy.