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The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Chapter 4. Chapter summary. Things that appear healthy on the surface have serious cracks underneath. Erica America Changez The American. The Scar. The American is nervous when he sees a scar on Changez’s arm. Note the words Changez uses: Rope burn
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The Reluctant Fundamentalist Chapter 4
Chapter summary • Things that appear healthy on the surface have serious cracks underneath. • Erica • America • Changez • The American
The Scar • The American is nervous when he sees a scar on Changez’s arm. Note the words Changez uses: • Rope burn • Rappelling • Mountain • Training camp “as though you wonder what sort of training camp could have given a fellow from the plains such as myself cause to engage in these activities!” • What criticism does he make of American children and their parents? (p54)
Vocab- Nostalgia The term nostalgia describes a yearning for the past, often in idealised form. The term of "feeling nostalgic" is more commonly used to describe pleasurable emotions associated with and/or a longing to go back to a particular period of time.
We have all had to listen to someone being nostalgic for something they once had, eg: a beautiful home. Over time, this vision of the past can become idealised.
Nostalgia • What references are there to Changez’s longing for home? • What references are there to Erica’s longing for her past?
Erica • Something “broken behind [her eyes], like a tiny crack in a diamond that becomes visible only when viewed through a magnifying lens…” • What is it?
Changez- withholding • What does Changez withhold from Erica? • Why does he do this?
Her father • What stereotypes does Erica’s father have of Pakistanis?
Fundamentalism • “you guys have a serious problem with fundamentalism.” • What does Erica’s father mean by this? • What has Changez already said to the American in the café to refute this claim?
Fundamentalism • strict adherence to any set of basic ideas or principles • Fundamentalists are often intolerant of those who do not share their beliefs and values. • Examples- • The Christian fundamentalists who shoot abortion doctors because they believe the bible tells them to. • The Islamic fundamentalists who flew planes into the World Trade Centre on September 11.
Opposites • Would include moderate believers. For example, people who believe that women can be church leaders in the Anglican church.
The American • Why does he jump when the lights go out? • Why does Changez tease him with the suggestion of an alcoholic drink? • What appears sinister about Changez’ssimile? – “and you – to jump as though you were a mouse suddenly under the shadow of a hawk!”
Tone • Dark. • Impending doom. • There is an undercurrent to this chapter that points to trouble at each of the levels. • Evidence? • Rope burns and scars • “the crack” in Erica and her history with Chris • His nostalgia for Pakistan • The attitude of Americans like The American and Erica’s father. • New York’s glory • The lights briefly go out (for a moment they are in darkness)