The Reluctant
Fundamentalist
Chapter 3
Two Column Notes
Summary
Café
American still appears uncomfortable
“for you, sir, continue to appear ill at ease.”
pg. 35
‘behaviour of an animal that has ventured
too far from its lair and is now, in
unfamiliar surroundings uncertain whether
it is predator or prey!’ pg. 35
Setting: Observe instead how the shadows
have lengthened’ pg. 35
Interpretation
Tension is building, adds to the genre of
thriller
Metaphor of the situation (predator vs
prey) Changez’s tone is threatening?
Progress of the conversation: The
sunshine/bright/pleasant part of the day
has ended, night is beginning. Indicating
growing darkness and danger?
Past/America
Discovers the multiculturalism of New York.
‘the fact that Urdu was spoken by taxicab
drivers’
‘my skin would typically fall in the middle of the
color spectrum’ pg. 37
‘I was immediately a New Yorker’ pg. 37
Enjoys the power that Underwood Samson
has
‘the power of the view from their lobby’
Expense accounts
Compares America and Pakistan – makes
Changez feel ashamed
‘In fact, the did more than trouble me: they
made me resentful’ pg. 38
‘To be reminded of this vast disparity was, for
me, to be ashamed.’ pg. 38
Travel to annual summer party, Jim makes
comment about Changez
“You’re a watchful guy…It comes from feeling
out of place” pg. 48
Changez enjoys how multicultural the city is. It
makes him feel comfortable and accepted. He
doesn’t stand out as different.
He enjoys the power and privilege that
Underwood Samson provides him. Again allows
him equality. Doesn’t rely on his previous
status and history.
There is resentment and anger that America is
so advanced and powerful and Pakistan is
being left behind. Changez still feels proud of
his history and culture of Pakistan and how
they used to be advanced and powerful. Unfair.
Again Changez is seduced by power and
prestige that is on offer to him through this
new job.
Jim’s observation is a reminder that he is
different, something that Changez is trying to
forget due to his shame and anger.
Café
Atmosphere has changed
Changes reflects and mention naivety
‘I was a young New Yorker with the city at my
feet. How soon that would change!’ pg. 51
‘a certain familiarity with the recent history of
our surroundings…allows us to put the present
into much better perspective’ pg. 51-52
The night is dark, the people have changed.
Links to the story in America, Changez has
moved to a new city with new circle of
“friends” his setting has changed.
There is a hint of darkness and bitterness in
his story indicating that things will change.
Like the setting.
Final comment indicates that Changez’s story
is getting to a point. He has to explain his
history and past first so that the American
understands?
Academic Vocab
• Allusion – a deliberate reference to another literary source
• Hierarchy – a pecking order of power.
• Meritocracy – free from class, familial or religious hierarchy.
Instead, people are chosen on their merit or value to the
organisation.
• Elitist – someone who believes society should be ruled by the
elite.
A question of power
• In the café• Who is in control of this relationship? The American or
Changez?
Cultural identity
• ‘For me moving to New York felt – so unexpectedly – like coming
home.’
• “I was, in four-and-a-half years, never an American; I was
immediately a New Yorker.”
• Why does Changez feel an affinity for New York?
• What does it have in common with Lahore?
• Why does he “tend to become sentimental” when he thinks about
it?
• (p51) “I was a young New Yorker… How soon that would change!”
• What does this say about Changez’s identity?
Underwood Samson and
Meritocracy
• Meritocracy – free from class, familial or religious hierarchy.
Instead, people are chosen on their merit or value to the
organisation.
• ‘We’re a meritocracy,” he said. “We believe in being the best.
You were the best candidates at the best schools in the
country. That’s what got you here. But meritocracy doesn’t
stop with recruiting. We’ll rank you every six months. Your
know your rankings. Your bonuses and staffing will depends
on them. If you do well, you’ll be rewarded. If you don’t. you’ll
be out the door. It’s that simple.” pg. 39
Systematic Pragmatism
• ‘I see you are impressed by the thoroughness of our training. I
was as well. It was a testament to the systematic pragmatism –
call it professionalism – that underpins your country’s success in
so many fields.’ pg. 41
• Systematic: done or acting according to a fixed plan or system;
methodical
• (Pragmatic: dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a
way that is based on practical rather than theoretical)
• Pragmatism: an approach that assesses the truth of meaning of
theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical
application.
Significance of the beggar…
• The American does not think it is best to give the beggar
himself money and aid but rather charities to improve their
life overall
• ‘yes, you are right, it is far better to donate to charities that
address the caused of poverty rather that to him, a creature
who is merely its symptom. What am I doing? I am handing
him a few rupees – misguidedly, of course, and out of habit.
There, he offers us his prayers for our well being and he is on
his way’ pg. 45
• The American: showing systematic pragmatism
• Changez: generous, responds based on emotions
• This is why he made comparisons between America and
Pakistan when he first moved to New York.
Underwood and Samson
• What is the business of Underwood and Samson?
• Describe how Changez feels to work there.
• Why does the philosophy of Underwood Samson appeal to
Changez?
The allegory – writing time
• How do Changez’s feelings for Erica align with his attitude
towards America at this point?
• What is author saying about America?
• What ideas can we list that explains how Underwood Samson
works as a metaphor/allegory for the U.S?
• What is Changez’s relationship with U-S (the country and the
company) at this point?