Essay about Why Is Changez Unable to Become an American

In the monologue, ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’, written by Mohsin Hamid, the protagonist is Changez, a Pakistani moves to America to pursue his Princeton degree, traces his journey of his adaption to American society, including his college life, his job at Underwood Samson, and his connection to an American girl. The assertion that â€Å"I was, in four and a half years, never an American; I was immediately a New Yorker† is not a valid point because he begins with defining himself as an American at the start. Whereas after the devastating effects of 9/11, and in consequence how Muslims were treated, Changez see’s the seeds of resentment on the surface, and becomes more patriotic towards Lahore. Likewise, his egocentricity starts to resonate as†¦show more content†¦Changez starts to show his smug sense of power, and flaunts his new American Identity after securing his job at Underwood Samson, with the credit card that comes with it. His smugness is ironically undercut when the Pak Punjab Deli doesn’t recognize his American Express card. For the first time since he moved to America, Changez finally felt accepted and at home as he had gained his ‘new’ identity. We start to notice Changez becoming more comfortable with his new Western identity, when exposed to the corporate ideals. As Changez further develops his relationship with Erica, she becomes his guide into the chic heart of New York. â€Å"I realised I was being ushered into an insider’s world – the chic heart of the city – to which I would otherwise have no access.† He begins to feel as though he is invincible, consolidated in his belief â€Å"my Princeton degree and Underwood Samson business card were invariably sufficient to earn me a respectful nod of approval.† Changez believes he is immune to scrutiny, and this shows a dangerous sense of naivety. He believes he can conquer the suspicions with the armour of his success. A narcissistic trait surfaces as he gets more comfortable with his new American identity, and begins to take noShow MoreRelatedThe Reluctant Fundamentalist - Is Changez a Solid Character?1094 Words   |  5 PagesYou give off t his strong sense of home... it makes you feel solid - (Erica) Is Changez a solid character? In Mohsin Hamid’s taut psychological thriller The Reluctant Fundamentalist readers are exposed to the gradual degradation of Changez s personal image and relationships. The solidity of Changez can be clearly seen through his stages of moving to America, progressing through university and meeting Erica. This initial mind-set is lost after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in NewRead MoreThe Reluctant Fundamentalist5450 Words   |  22 PagesQuestions around the themes Fundamentalism Is Changez a Religious (Islamic) fundamentalist, or does he become one in his rejection of American society? Is Hamid implying that America is guilty of economic and political fundamentalism? Is Changez rejecting the ‘fundamentals’ of Underwood Sampson- maximum profit etc? Nostalgia When does nostalgia become destructive? Changez compares nostalgia to crack cocaine- How powerful is it really? And to whom? Identity What is the relationship between personalRead More The Reluctant Fundamentalist Essay2829 Words   |  12 Pagesconservative in nature. It is a pejorative term usually associated with religious fanaticism. Usually, this is what comes to mind when there is mention of a fundamentalist. However, in Mohsin Hamids The Reluctant Fundamentalist starring the protagonist Changez, a Pakistani Princetonian who is a top-ranked employee at a prestigious New York valuation firm, turns out not to be an Islamic fundamentalist, but a reluctant fundamentalist of US Capitalism. Hamid challenges readers to reevaluate their preconceived