Explain the Importance of Setting and Atmosphere in the Reluctant Fundamentalist

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Explain the importance of setting and atmosphere in The Reluctant Fundamentalist The use of setting and atmosphere in Mohsin Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist, which follows an encounter between the Pakistani protagonist, Changez and an unknown American in a Lahore café, is effectively employed to reflect and enhance the story that Changez is trying to communicate. The various locations depicted in the novel are often use symbolically to convey particular concepts or initiate a turning point in Changez’s approach to life, and generally the setting emulates the actual story. Throughout the novel, Changez’s interactions with his surroundings, and how at ease he feels there, reflect his state of mind at that point in time. In a similar manner, the careful construction of emotions or ideals which aim to evoke a certain response in his readers. The creation of a deliberately ambiguous undertone allows Hamid to push his readers to decide on crucial elements of the plot and characterisation – the vague nature of Hamid’s writing invites multiple interpretations an thus provokes a more complex analysis of the preconceptions and stereotypes prominent in society within his readers. A significant example of the importance of setting within The Reluctant Fundamentalist is Hamid’s description of New York, which undergoes a considerable change throughout the novel. Initially, Changez feels integrated into New York, saying he was “immediately a New Yorker”, commenting on the “great fondness” that he has for the city. However, as the narrative progresses a change in the city is evident, particularly after the attacks of September 11th where Changez had once felt as if he was “coming home”, from the moment he is at the airport and treated as a “foreigner” he no longer feels as if he belongs in New York. The sense of connection to his surroundings reflects Changez’s satisfaction

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