Why are literary devices so important? Because it brings a story to life. Because one word can mean so much more. Because it can create a movie inside your head. Because it keeps you in suspense as you read. Because it can make something seem much worse or much better than it actually is. Because it gives you a glimpse into the future. Because literary devices make literature a work of art. This novel, The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, takes readers on the journey of immigrants settling in a new country. The novel begins with Ashima Ganguli preparing to give birth and her discontent at finding herself in a new country without her family and Indian traditions. The story primarily follows the life of Gogol Ganguli, Ashima's son, and how he struggles to accept Indian customs, his struggle to accept his name, and his ongoing struggle to find his own identity. Gogol changes his name to his original good name, Nikhil, and moves to New York to work. The novel reveals new situations that include the bonds between generations, the difference between Indian and American cultures, and the immigration experience in its entirety. The use of these symbols in this novel creates a new perspective and new ways of reading between the lines, makes the story in-depth. Symbolism is used effectively in this novel and develops many different literary elements as other literary devices do. Jhumpa Lahiri uses many literary devices in The Namesake, but the most important is symbolism because of the way she develops theme and character. There are many literary devices used in the novel that develop different literary elements. The use of symbolism in the novel is evident and used effectively, but some might argue that irony and foreshadowing are what's most important......middle of paper......the quote reveals the his feelings after legally changing his name and shows how he still can't truly find his identity. This was a milestone in his life, changing his name to try to fit in, but it still hasn't worked for Gogol. This develops the theme of identity, having both names to try to find his identity, to find where he belongs. It also reveals his character, his ignorance of the namesake of his birth name. In conclusion, the symbols in The Namesake reveal that symbolism is the most important literary tool as it develops the theme of identity and tradition as well as Gogol's character. Many people would think that other literary devices such as irony or foreshadowing were the most important literary device, but without symbolism the novel would lack meaning. It's one thing to read a story, it's another to find meaning behind the words the story tells.