In "The Namesake," a conversation unfolds where Edith reassures that the right name will eventually reveal itself. Gogol, however, expresses skepticism about the concept of a perfect name, suggesting it is an illusion. This leads to a discussion on identity and the significance of names, with Gogol proposing a radical idea that individuals should have the freedom to choose their own names upon reaching adulthood.

This dialogue reflects deeper themes in the novel about cultural identity, personal growth, and self-definition. It highlights the struggles characters face in reconciling their names and identities with their experiences, emphasizing the importance of names as not only labels but as integral parts of one's self-conception.