Reference no: EM133219857
Question: Reluctant Fundamentalist End
Do some research on Chile's 9/11. Do you think Hamid is making a deliberate connection between Chile's 9/11 and Americas? How does Changez's opinion of America change in Chile?
What happens to Erica after 9/11? How does her relationship with Changez change? Is her stasis symbolic of America after 9/11? (i.e. America regressing into nostalgia)
On page 148, Changez states he "lacks a stable core"? What does that mean? Could that statement be applied to every immigrant? Is Hamid suggesting that immigration creates a split in one's identity between their new country and their homeland?
Who are the Janissaries? What is the significance of Juan Batista telling Changez about them? Is Changez affected by Juan Batista's history lesson? Is Changez a modern day Janissarie because he works for Underwood Samson? What is the importance of the line "finance was a primary means by which the American empire excercised its power. "(p. 156)? Why does Changez leave Underdwood Samson?
Why do you think Changez starts growing a beard? What does a beard symbolically represent for Americans? Is Changez right that America is a "posturing" (168) nation? What do you think Changez does to "stop" America?
Why does Changez leave America? Does he still feel nostalgic for America and Erica? Give examples from the text. What does he do for employment in Pakistan?
Why do you think Hamid chose to end his novel that way? Is the American tourist a real tourist? Do you think that Changez is responsible for his students actions?