The Namesake (film)

Talka

Alright, I just got back from watching The Namesake. I loved it. Great film.

Now, here's what's bugging me. I've read Gogol, and I've read The Overcoat. I wrote a paper on it a year ago. Still, I don't understand the connection the story is supposed to have. I don't "get it." I know there probably isn't a clear cut, obvious answer to this (ridiculously campy) question, but what is the significance of The Overcoat in the Namesake? The only things I've been able to think of are the saying, "We've all come out of Gogol's Overcoat," (referring to heritage, roots, etc) and maybe some connections between Nikolai Gogol, the author, and the Gogol from the movie. But the father character is very enigmatic about the choice ("one day you will understand"), so I'm thinking there might be some literary allusion that's going on completely over my head. And it's bugging me.

Maybe the answer would be easier for me to find if I'd read the book The Namesake, but it's still frustrating.

Any ideas?

HiredGun

It's been close to two years since I read The Namesake, but I think that even if there is a connection explained or hinted at in the book, it's not terribly important. So I think you're trying to read too far into it - the book is significant because of its role in his father's life. The content of the Gogol novel in itself is only secondary.