The Reluctant Fundamentalist Chapter 3

Two Column Notes SummaryInterpretation 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 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 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?