The Namesake Lesson Plan

Consider Ashima's notion that "Americans, in spite of their public declarations of affection, in spite of their miniskirts and bikinis, in spite of their hand-holding on the street and lying on top of each other on the Cambridge Common, prefer their privacy." Do you consider this an accurate depiction of American culture? Why or why not?

Students should consider the contrast: Americans, as Ashima sees them, display themselves publicly and openly, but would be unlikely to share their feelings with another pregnant woman on the maternity ward. Some students may feel that Ashima's interpretation is accurate, that Americans are very open in some ways while being closed off in...