The Reluctant Fundamentalist

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Mohsin Hamid’s dramatic monologue, The Reluctant Fundamentalist tells the story of a young Pakistani man who is consumed by the status of America and becomes immersed in the American way of life. The narrator, Changez is unsure of who he is, and whilst certain personality traits remain, his sense of identity is changed significantly by the novel’s conclusion. America is the country that Changez becomes enamoured and then disillusioned with. This turbulent emotional journey is reflected in Changez’s professional and personal relationships. At first, he is enchanted by the beautiful Erica, with whom he attempts to pursue a romantic relationship; likewise, he is enticed by the career and status opportunities that elite valuation firm Underwood Samson offers. However, Changez later realises that America is not what he first imagined. As his respect for his migrant country deteriorates, so too does his relationships with Underwood Samson and Erica. Changez was “one of only two Pakistanis in (his) class, two from a population of over 100 million souls”. When changez graduates from Princeton University and secures a job at underwood Samson he seems to be pleased and excited with his new life and opportunities he has been given. He states that “Princeton inspired me in the feeling that my life was a film in which I was the star and everything was possible”. this is all at the beginning of the novel when Changez considers himself to have been successful in America, and quickly adapts to the New York ways of life. Changez’s initial enthusiasm for America is echoed in his attitude to working at Underwood Samson. Changez was “one of only two Pakistanis in his class, two from a population of over 100 million souls”. When changez graduates from Princeton University and secures a job at underwood Samson he seems to be pleased and excited with his new life and opportunities

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