Mohsin Hamid, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, RECLAMS
UNIVERSAL-BIBLIOTHEK Nr. 19876, 2013 Philipp Reclam jun. Liceo
Scientifico Albert Einstein, Cervignano del Friuli Grando Leonardo,
Pavoni Francesco, Puppo Simone 5^ALS
Slide 2
OBJECTIVESSUBJECTS INVOLVED To identify the structure of the
novel To single out relevant intercultural themes To select
linguistic phrases, expressions, key words for the intercultural
analysis of the novel 1. English language and literature 2. Italian
language 3. IRC (teaching Catholic religion)
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1. To compare linguistic phrases, expressions and key words in
different languages 2. To do etymological research about relevant
words 3. To make hypothesis about different interpretations of the
same quotation 4. To draw conclusions about the way languages make
meaning 5. To learn about similarities and dissimilarities between
different cultures 6. To learn about similarities and
dissimilarities Christianity and Islam
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Knowledge and skills related to intercultural dialogue Language
and learning awareness Project skills and project work
Documentation of learning process Effective communication in a
multilingual context Semantic research in language learning
Cultural features and stereotypes The way languages make
meaning
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Discuss structure in Mohsin Hamid, The Reluctant
Fundamentalist, RECLAMS UNIVERSAL-BIBLIOTHEK Nr. 19876, 2013
Philipp Reclam jun. Single out the main function of each chapter
with reference to message Find out key words and expressions to
convey different linguistic and cultural perspectives Carry out
relevant textual analysis with reference to character, setting,
narrative strategy, use of language Draw personal conclusion and
argumentation supported by textual reference Relationship
signifier-signified
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Chapters 1-4 : introduction Changezs American dream comes true:
education, love, job Chapter 5: first turning point World Trade
Center bombing Chapters 5-9 : development Twin Towersattack
consequences on Changezs life: identity crisis and nostalgia for
native country Chapter 10 : second turning point Juan Bautistas
words Chapters 10-12: conclusion Changezs new perspective about his
Western experience
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TOPIC: Changezs biography: childhood, graduation, job interview
FUNCTION: introduction to the dramatic monologue with an unknown
American THEMES: Cultures meeting: the colour of your skin, your
dress, yourhair, power, non Americans, hungry; Kashmiri tea,
jalebis, Punjab (Pakistan), Twenty Questions, Star Trek (West)
Prejudice: type, bearing, seat, that, mental state Social classes:
wealth, elite, BMW SUVs, aristocracy, bourgeoisie,
middle-class
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type (p. 6): it refers to stereotypes given by different
cultures meeting as there are certain type of Americans, there are
certain type of Pakistani too was (p.7): it implies there was a
past not only in Princeton, but all around America judgmental
(p.11): it generally refers to someone giving an opinion, or maybe
a first stereotyped impression on the cultural point of view; in
this case it implies someone professionally appraising during a job
interview hungry (p.16): it generally refers to a physical
condition typical of the Third World; here it hints at a
professional hunger, a thirst of successfull career
Slide 9
TOPIC: Princetonians holiday in Greece first meeting with Erica
FUNCTION: Ericas presentation THEMES: Love relationship: tiara,
navel, breath, magnetism, topless, small breasts, lower back, sight
Economy: courtesy gifts, dividends, funds, money, cash Cultures
meeting: jeans speckled with paint, traditional dress, thirst for
the improper, beard, NationalCollege of Arts Social classes
meeting: refined, anachronistic, child, finite and depleting
reserve of cash, traditional sense of deference, Chairman Mao
Slide 10
are (p.21): it gives the idea of an objective point the girls
are attractive both from the perspective of an American and the one
of Pakistani (Similarity) magnetism (p.27): it is meant as the
ability to attract people, not with a scientific connotation
European women were sunbathing topless, a practice I whole-
heartedly supported (p.29): a Pakistani hedonistically appreciates
a European womans body; but would an European like a Pakistani girl
all the same? Not boring polite, respectful polite (p.30):
paradoxically politeness is sometimes seen as an affected form of
behaviour in the west ; in this case it is an unusual ability to
give people their space, typical of Eastern culture
Slide 11
TOPIC: Changezs working life FUNCTION: introduction to theme of
job-economy THEMES: American strangers prejudices: locals, us,
glance, lair, predator or prey, foreigners, beggar Financial world
and its opportunities: power, trainee, meritocracy, rank, bonuses,
analysts, routine, seminar, chief financial officer, systematic
pragmatism, professionalism, efficiency, objective, high finance,
possibilities, competitive Multiculturalism in New York: urban,
home, Pak-PunjabDeli, skin, immediately, possibilities, proud,
accomplishment Cultures meeting: urban, Urdu, civilization,
resentful, ashamed, diverse, indistinguable, food, mannerism, out
of place, warrior, non-white Social classes meeting: expense
accounts, cash, spend, vintage champagne, wealth and power
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power (p.39): it refers to a metaphorical form of energy,
authority, given by the view from a New Yorker skyscrapers lobby;
it is not meant as physical strenght. efficiency (p.43): it
generally refers to profit in productivity; here its the company
trainees to be efficient: they have to produce. non-white (p.44):
the use of litote from a Pakistani underlines how the majority of
the group was composed by Western-white people, while the minority
was represented by him and Wainwright (we dont know his origins)
The Great Gatsby (p.49): the narrator mentions the novel from the
American writer S. Fitzgerald to underline the lavishness of
Western aristocracy, the lite of society
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TOPIC: Erica and Changezs relationship FUNCTION: gradual
adjusting to American life THEMES: American strangers prejudices:
your, plenty, unfamiliar, beard, overacting, wallet, mouse Love
relationship: Erica, stunning, kiss, intimate, deepening
relationship, cheek, scent, softness, mouth, skin, cool, smooth
Ericas introspection: dent, broken, Chris, gravity, inside,,
hospital, crack Cultures meeting: smiles, theatrical,, hello, never
drank, annoyed, Economys falling,Corruption,
dictatorship,fundamentalism, bridle, upset, we understand one
another Social classes meeting: wealthy, dress, elegant,
impressive, twice the size, lived-in, home, important man, chic
hearth
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your (p.53): we dont know if the adjective is adressed only to
the American listener or to the reader too. The narrators attitude
is quite ambiguous here cosmopolitan (p.55): it refers to New Yorks
nature; its inhabited by people of different cultures, it
accomodates everyone, it is rich in providing ever new
opportunities So of course he drinks (p.60): expression pronounced
by Ericas mother to her husband as he took for granted a Pakistani
never drinks to respect a cultural commitment gravity (p.63): it
recalls magnetism (p.27) as the quality to attract people by
oneselfs attitude
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TOPIC: business trip to Manila. World Trade Center bombing
FUNCTION: turning point THEMES: Financial world: outsourcing,
lucrative, majors, financial model, permutations, powerful
Adherence to American thought: first class, clad, better paid,
self-satisfaction, prodigious, changes, American, respect, we,
shark Self-awareness: comparison, wealthy, ashamed, hostility,
intimate, hungry, foreign, play-acting, savor, belong, longing,
nostalgia, smiled, symbolism, uncomfortable American patriotism:
disgust, fist, war, angered, surprised
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creepy (p.69): its interesting here to point out the different
shades of meaning; in its own signified it creates disgust, so a
sensation linked to mind; on the other hand in the Italian
translation it refers to thrills, a physical perception foreign
(p.74): it is linked to extraneousness; Changez is a Pakistani and
he will be never considered an American, but he will always be seen
as a foreigner smiled (p.79): the narrators reaction to the WTC
bombing might create a feeling of abhorrence in the Western reader
symbolism (p.80): the speaking voice confesses he was not caught up
by the attacks victim, but by its symbolism, something particularly
close to Islamic (or Eastern ones ) religion; here there is also an
indirect link to Americas economical power, finally brought to her
knees
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TOPIC: approaching difficulties FUNCTION: first consequences on
Changezs life THEMES: Love relationship: gravity, booty, bra,
other,emotion, my, importance, protectivness Cultures meeting:
uncharitable, inhumane, reproach, flag, alive, meant, prevented
Americas self-supremacy:We are America the mightiest civilization
the world has ever known; you have slighted us; beware our
wrath
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purpose (p.84): the narrator hints at a deeper explanation of
the American strangers visit, underlining Western societies
pragmatism We are America (p.86): it highlights American
patriottism which came to surface after WTC bombing intertextual
reference to poetry I, too by L. Hughes alive (p.88): it generally
refers to the action of living, but in this case it might be
metaphorically meant as someone who becomes sentimental after a
sensory perception which forsters a mental process gravity (p.95):
the word occurs again; the first two times it was intended as
Ericas capacity to attract people; in this case it strengthens her
relationship with Changez: here it is only referred to their
bond
Slide 19
TOPIC: first night of love with Erica FUNCTION: first signs of
Changezs crisis THEMES: Love relationship: us, pretend I am him,
possessed, him, flesh, satiated, ashamed Cultural conflict: FBI,
Muslim, American dream, Talibans treaths Financial world:
assignment, firm,broadband provides, acquisition, client, growth
Economy: Power comes from becoming change, Focus on the
fundamentals
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wanted (p.100): Changez does not want to acknowledge the
gradual crumbling of his American dream, even if his doubts are
going to be disillusioned so soon. Focus on the fundamentals
(p.105): it is generally linked to Islamic religion; in this case
it acquires an economical connotation, as the Underwood Samsons
motto we (p.109): the anaphoric repetition reinforces the
compactness of the group of Pakistani who built Lahore; it makes
clear the narrator becomes sentimental whenever he talks about his
city Pretend I am him (p.112): here Changez sacrifices his identity
to satisfy a physical pleasure; all the reliability he had barely
acquired is here thrown away
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TOPIC: detachment from Erica, Changezs nostalgia FUNCTION:
further consequences of WTC bombing THEMES: Nostalgia: retro, past,
duty, honor, Pakistani side Discrimination: tribe,
akhala-malakhala, khalapal-khalapala, Fucking Arab!, coward,
Muslims discrimination Ericas inner conflict: sick girl, how, pale
Financial power: personal efficacy, project, fundamentals,
analyzing data, maximum productivity progress,rescinded,
ranked
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hope (p.120): it refers to Changez who never surrenders in
finding Erica; it maybe connected to the same sense of optimism he
felt during the period of his American dream Fucking Arab (p.123):
such horrible expression highlights how Western people tend to
judge at first sight whoever does not conform to their ordinary
standards of physical appearance fashionable (p.125): it refers to
something objectively pretty under a Western or Eastern eye without
any difference
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TOPIC: Changezs temporary return to Pakistan, Ericas depression
FUNCTION: further parting from Western life THEMES: Self-awareness:
observing, shamed, low lines, I, unsympathetic, angered, blind, man
lacking in substance, easily influenced, behind, grappled, ironic
Nostalgia: Lahore, house propercy, rich, young, life in New York
Cultures meeting: beard, greeted, clean-shaven, coworkers,
remarkable, verbal abuse, strangers, whispers Ericas inner
conflict: clinic, deleased, alive, enough, tobe out in the world,
mine take too calm, inside herself, detached, Chris
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observing (p. 129): the term refers to different points of view
which might be adopted and the consequent different interpretations
given to things war (p. 132): it refers to the potential war
between America and Pakistan, but for political purposes or from a
cultural point of view? behind (p. 133): Changez is leaving from
Pakistan to go back to America; this means hes leaving behind his
family, his culture and traditions, his loyalty to Pakistan, and,
in a way or another, his identity beard (p. 134): Changez decides
not to shave his beard; on the denotative level it might be a
trend, but the deeper meaning might be a sign of protest and a
distinction of his cultural identity
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TOPIC: business trip to Chile, meeting with Juan Bautista
FUNCTION: second and last turning point THEMES: Self-awareness:
blinders, stablecore, absurdity, got things done, janissaries, bout
of introspection, modern-day janissary, wartime, soldiers, friends,
buddies, focusing on fundamentals Changezs multicultural attitude:
dog, mysticism, grandfather, thoughts, melancholy was reminded, New
York, human beings, empathy
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core (p. 152): it is the essential part of a man, it unveils
ones identity; the narrator doesnt even know if it corresponds to
an American or a Pakistani one jannissary (p. 155): the word
commonly refers to Christian adolescents captured by the Ottomans
and trained to be soldiers in Muslim army; here the correspondance
with Changez: a Pakistani boy trained to be an American worker
comes clear cut fundamentals (p. 158): for the whole lenghth of the
novel it was not clear what kind of fundamentals the narrator
refers to; here the intelligent reader understands he is talking
about financial fundamentals, the ones of American power, he
definitely comes to reject
Slide 27
TOPIC: Changezs layoff, Ericas disappearance FUNCTION: loss of
job and love THEMES: Love relationship: gone, beautiful spot, sall,
memories American nature: interference, traditional,possibility,
great love, suspicious, watering, incostant, rhetoric, difference,
superiority Changezs inner conflict: homeland, resented,
ex-janissary,exclusive temple, funeral colours, them, spring,
firefly, incoherent, emotional, madman
Slide 28
alien (p. 165): it generally refers to a condition of
estrangement; it means that everyone (including Changez) tends to
judge from his own culture.In this case its the speaking voice who
evaluates American habits under a Pakistani point of view gone (p.
166): the word usually refers to someone who leaves and does not
come back. Here is the case of Erica; the reader will never know if
she is still alive or if she is dead spring (p. 168): Changez
remembers his first period at Princeton and the start of his
relationship with Erica now there will be a new rebirth (his
self-awareness), as it happens with nature in spring
Slide 29
TOPIC: Changezs conclusive return to Pakistan FUNCTION: end of
Changezs American dream THEMES: American stranger prejudices:
backword, retailer, quicken, anxious, startled, pistol, following,
signal,unfriendly, accusatory, potential terrorist, metal Changezs
nostalgia: left,inhabitation, tidal, transported, Princeton Alumni
Week, my Changezs fight for multiculturalism: to restore ones
boundaries, ones, advacement, disengagement, ex-janissary,
indipendence, those, idealistic, well- wishers, fireflys glow
Slide 30
fireflys glow (p. 184): it is referred to the image of a
firefly that trues to attract the attention between some
illuminated buildings (chapter 11) Changez competes with the common
thought and tries to adopts a multicultural way of thinking.
transcend (p. 184): it means going beyond ordinary limits; here it
represents the choice to overcome cultural discrimination and
accept cultural distinction (multiculturalism) potential terrorists
(p.186): it is referred to the American strangers prejudice; as
Western people are not undercover assassins, Pakistanis are not all
potential terrorists