In Jhumpa Lahiri's "The Namesake," Gogol grapples with the complexity of his identity, feeling misunderstood and frustrated by the name given to him. He expresses his insecurity about being perceived as strange, questioning why no one seems to take him seriously. This sense of alienation is deeply felt and reflects his internal struggle with his cultural heritage and personal identity.

Gogol's father questions him about who exactly does not take him seriously, leading to an introspective moment for Gogol. He realizes that the only person continually criticizing himself and feeling the burden of his name is Gogol himself. This highlights the theme of self-identity and the relationship between personal perception and societal expectations.