Your response should be written in 3–5 complete sentences.

Think back to Gogol’s annaprasan ceremony as a baby in which he was offered some soil, a pen, and a dollar bill to determine his future. Gogol chose none of them. Explain the significance of Gogol’s lack of choice.

Gogol's lack of choice in the annaprasan ceremony signifies his struggle with identity and his resistance to conform to the expectations placed upon him. By not choosing any of the offered objects, Gogol rejects the traditional paths set out for him, and instead seeks his own path. This lack of choice foreshadows Gogol's journey towards self-discovery and his constant questioning of his cultural heritage and his place within it. Ultimately, it highlights his desire to carve out his own identity and find his true purpose in life.