KHADIJA AHANSAL GROUP: E

THE REPRESENTATION OF RESISTANCE IN “THE RELUCTANT

FUNDAMENTALIST” BY MOHSIN HAMID

In Mohsin Hamid's novel, "The Reluctant Fundamentalist," the concept of resistance is

explored through the character of Changez, a Pakistani man who moves to the United States for
career opportunities and education. The work delves into Changez's internal conflict as he
navigates the differences in culture and societal norms between his homeland of Pakistan and his
new life in America.

Mohsin Hamid highlights the protagonist's resistance against making judgments based on
someone's appearance or ethnicity. "How did I know you were American? No, not by the color
of your skin. “In this passage the protagonist challenges the assumption that nationality can be
determined just by physical characteristics. This resistance to stereotyping reflects the
protagonist's struggle with identity and belonging in a "post-9/11" context.

Changez's disillusionment with American society, especially after “9/11event”, leads to a

growing sense of alienation and resentment, exacerbated by racial prejudices and discrimination
in America. The title itself, "The Reluctant Fundamentalist," highlights Changez's internal
conflict, as he is torn between his strict adherence to his religious and cultural beliefs (the
"fundamentalist") and his opposition to fully embrace this identity (the "reluctant").

Changez's resistance takes the form of a cultural and ideological rebellion against American
imperialism and the dominant American nation. He adopts a position of cultural resistance,
seeking to assert his own identity and values over those of the dominant American culture. This
resistance is symbolized by Changez's decision to return to Pakistan and his rejection of the
American dream.

To sum up, the concept of resistance in The Reluctant Fundamentalist is important as it delves
into cultural resistance, writing as a means of resistance, the parallels between terrorism and
fundamentalism, and America's economic fundamentalism and exploitative capitalist methods.
The book showcases the intricacies of identity, belonging, and resistance in the aftermath of the
9/11 event".