Eventually he begins to practice his new signature in the margins of the paper. He tries it in various styles, his hand unaccustomed to the angles of the N, the dotting of the two i's. He wonders how many times he has written his old name, at the top of how many tests and quizzes, how many homework assignments, how many yearbook inscriptions to friends. How many times does a person write his name in a lifetime - a million? Two million?
The protagonist in "The Namesake" experiences a significant moment as he begins to practice his new signature, reflecting on the intricacies of his identity. As he explores different styles, he grapples with the unfamiliarity of his new name, realizing how deeply embedded his old name is in his life and experiences.
This contemplation leads him to consider the vast number of times he has inscribed his previous name on tests, assignments, and yearbooks, pondering the countless moments that have shaped his identity. The repetition of writing his name serves as a metaphor for his struggles with self-identity and belonging as he navigates cultural transitions.