Leo Hwang’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update

I see Changez’s mental health deteriorate as his American Dream vanishes. The trauma of 9/11 creates a confusion in his identity, as he gets suspicions as a Middle East man. I feel his failing relationship with Erica relates to his vanishment of the American Dream. This instability due to nearly broken relationship and loss of American Dream makes the escape to Pakistan plausible.

Earlier in the book, I predicted Changez would be seen differently after 9/11, and sadly, it came true. He faced prejudice and unfair treatment due to his race and background. As someone from Korea, I empathize with his situation. I would also feel sad when my country’s economic or social standing negatively impacts how I am treated by other people. This shift shows how quickly identity can be unfairly judged.

The 9/11 attacks show that Changez's heart does not belong to America. When he smiles at the TV, he realizes his individual identity is separate from the U.S. His relationship with Erica breaks because she resembles America; as the country looks back to the old days, she obsesses over her ex-boyfriend, Chris. Lastly, his Princeton degree cannot save him as his Middle Eastern background makes him a permanent suspect.

I really enjoy seeing Changez find success in his job at Underwood Samson. Since the perspective is centered on Changez, I am curious to see how he will feel about his relationship with Erica and how he will change as a Pakistani foreigner in America. I predict that a major event such as 911 or a broken relationship with Erica will change him. I am interested in how directly the author presents the plot of the story.

Throughout the next pages, Changez lands a job at Underwood Samson. I think the main reason for his acceptance is his similarity to the interviewer, Jim, who also came from a less privileged household. Erica and Changez contrast each other, as Erica is living the American dream that Changez wanted, being free and part of a prestigious eating club, while Changez lands a safe job at Underwood Samson.

Changez’s observation and intelligence made me think. At the beginning of the book, he approaches the American, reassuring him not to be afraid of his beard. It seems as if he understands that stereotypes about Middle Eastern people arose after 911. Moreover, Changez’s acute observation of the American is surprising as he identifies the man’s nationality through his bearing and even notices how he chooses to sit.