To What Extent Is the Reluctant Fundamentalist About Nostalgia?

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Nostalgia is defined as a “sentimental longing or wistful thinking for a period in the past”. In theory nostalgia is a wonderful experience of reminiscing on memories in the past, but every so often nostalgia can have destructive effects on one’s mentality. In “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” Mohsid Hamid incorporates the theme of nostalgia throughout the monologue. Through his characters, Hamid illustrations both the positive and negative effects nostalgia has on a person. He explains to us that if handled carefully, nostalgia could be a form of relief, but if one dwells only in the past they will lose themselves, and find it nearly impossible to distinguish their reality from their memory. The protagonist Changez opens up to the American ‘tourist’, and in doing so displays strong sense of nostalgia that often takes over him. In many occasions Changez looks back at his time in New York with a certain degree of affection, presenting to the audience the fact that there is and always will be a place “of great fondness in [his] heart” for his beloved New York. He often remembers the little things with a sense of longing such as the delicious popcorn shrimp, “a delicacy [they] entirely lack in Lahore”. These brief moments of desire allows Changez to momentarily evoke upon the enjoyments of America without bring reminded of the pain and suffering he endures during his time there. This demonstrates how nostalgia can illuminate some memories while at the same time darken others. It is also evident through Changez the deadly dangers that nostalgia can bring about. Even after moving to the opposite side of the world Changez “remained emotionally entwined with Erica” He began to live in his memory, unprepared to come to terms with the fact that Erica is never coming back. He clung to the hope that she is still alive and searches for her existence with no reward. Changez

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