CAPITOLO 1

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This is a dream come true. Princeton inspired in me the feeling that my life was a film in which I was the star and everything was possible.

Questo è un sogno che diventa realtà. Princeton mi dava la sensazione che la mia vita fosse un film di cui io ero la star, e che tutto fosse possibile.

: English syntax seems to be more direct and effective; the last word in the English version is “true” that is a powerful word if compared with the Italian “realtà”.

In the English quotation, there is the verb “was” past simple, and in the Italian version, there is a verb in the subjunctive form, which does not, inspired to the reader a sense of certainty.

Reason for choice:The quotation provides the reader the feeling of Changez in the first part of his life in New York.

Analysis: It conveys the idea of how good Changez felt himself at first in America. The narrator gives an idea of the “perfect life”, without problems or sadness by making a description of Changez's feelings. In this quotation, Changez transmits a positive point of view of his new life.

Possible conclusion: Both quotations creates an emphasis around Changez's feelings and expectations fulfilled by the American Dream. Maybe the reader wants to give an illusion that everything was possible for the protagonist. In this way, he makes the effect of surprise even greater when he starts to tell about Changez's decline.

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You are hungry, and that is a good thing.

Tu sei affamato, e questa è una buona cosa nel mio libro

From the literal point of view, the Italian translation is not effective and it is not clear; the English version is clear and the words hungry and good are strictly connected.

Reason for choice: this quotation provides an example on how different are English and Pakistani

Analysis: In this quotation, the intelligent reader immediately understands how strong Changez’s wishes and convictions were.  

Possible conclusion: the effect is powerful because “hungry” is a basic need for a man and gives a correct idea of the protagonist convictions and personality.

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Underwood Samson had the potential to transform my life as it had transformed his, making my concerns about money and status things of the distant past.

Underwood Samson ha il potenziale per trasformare la mia vita come ha trasformato la sua, facendo diventare i miei pensieri sul denaro e sul mio stato, cose di un distante passato.

Italian syntax sounds more elaborate and English version seems to flow simplest and better; for example “making” is more effective than “ facendo diventare”

Reason for choice: this quotation perfectly embodies the mood of Changez when he first came to USA and it conveys the idea of a possibility for a new life, both from the point of view of the economic situation and the social one.

Analysis: This is a very important point of the whole book; indeed the protagonist tells us how America can change one’s life. Changez at first believes in the American Dream too. This quotation highlight how strong was Changez's hope to become a powerful American.      

Possible conclusion: The quotation provides an idea of how Changez is involved, at the beginning, inside the American dream. Further, the narrator maybe wants to put an end to Changez's worry to be poor and to be a Pakistani.

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Our situation is, perhaps, not so different from that of the old European aristocracy in the nineteenth century, confronted by ascendance of the bourgeoisie.

La nostra situazione è, forse, non così diversa da quella della vecchia aristocrazia Europea nel diciannovesimo secolo, confrontata con l’ascesa della borghesia

In this case, both English and Italian version seems to give the same effect; also, syntax seem to be very close.

Reason for choice: this quotation provides a comparison between to historical periods

Analysis: This quotation is very important because it compares Changez's situation to a social class, which apparently seems to be different to his and therefore he makes a very intelligent comparison.

Possible conclusion: By making this comparison, the protagonist realizes that his social state is low but he can increase it as the bourgeoisie had done in Europe; therefore, the sentence gives a good picture of the situation and reinforce a sense of hope to become an important person in the high social class.

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Princeton made everything possible for me. Nevertheless, it did not could not; make me forget such things as how much I enjoy the tea in this, the city of my birth...

Per me Princeton aveva reso tutto possibile. Ma non mi ha fatto dimenticare, non poteva, cose come il piacere di un tè qui, nella mia città natale.

In this case both seem that Italian version is more effective due to the double negation with the verb “to have” ;

Thanks to the use of words and the phonological analysis, in this quotation I feel a sense of melancholy of his home. Changez wants to underline that nothing is comparative to things like a tea in Pakistan.

Reason for choice: The quotation provides the reader that Changez was happy in NY but he did not forget his identity and he missed a little a particulars of his homeland.

Analysis: in this sentence, the novelist tells the reader how he was still strongly linked with his mother country. to underline this connection the first part of the sentence shows that to make all possible for him was not enough to spit him from his origins.

Possible conclusion: the quotation clearly shows that the links with the origins are strong and if living in another country could be nice, it is not sufficient to brake this links.

Further, maybe the narrator tries to say that the protagonist is not completely Americanized because he still remember the pleasures of his city of birth.

CAPITOLO 2

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She was so stunningly regal. Her hair was piled up like a tiara on her head...

(Erica) Era così incredibilmente regale. I suoi capelli erano raccolti come una tiara.

The English version better conveys the meaning of the quotation. In my opinion, the Italian version sounds more harmonious than the original.

Reason for choice:   The quotation provides the reader the perfection of Erica and the feeling of fascination towards her.

Analysis: Tiara was a special crown used by the popes until the second half of the twentieth century as a symbol of sovereignty.

Possible conclusion: maybe the narrator wants to underline that Changez sees Erica as a divine creature, according to the description he gives of her.

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I will admit that there were details, which annoyed me. The ease with which they parted with money […] Or their self-righteousness in dealing with those whom they had paid for a service.  

Ammetterò che c’erano dei particolari che mi annoiavano. La facilità con la quale si separarono dal denaro[...]O la loro auto -giustificazione nel trattare coloro che avevano pagato per un servizio

In this case, the syntax of the sentences are similar; it seems that Italian version in this case is more fluid then English, perhaps because of the pause inside the sentence.

Further the verb “to annoy “can be translate is some way, and in the English version employs the meaning" to trouble”, instead the verb "annoiare" in the Italian version convey the idea of someone who is bored.

Reason for choice: this question emphasize the difference both between two social classes and between two cultures. By making the description of his rich colleagues, Changez underlines that they are able to deal with somebody in a different way from him.

Analysis: This a clear example of the two different cultures, he feels a bit like a foreigner. This quotation represents an allegory: Changez represents the Pakistani, and his colleagues represent the American. It is clear how different are the American who easily spent their money in contrast with the Pakistani who are poor.

Possible conclusion: probably the sentence is complex and paused to underline the difference between the cultures ;this stop and start let the reader thinking about the sense of the previous and following words

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She had presence, an uncommon magnetism […] But one felt that some part of her […] was out of reach, lost in thoughts unsaid.

Lei aveva una bella presenza, un magnetismo non comune[...] Ma uno sente che alcune parti di lei […] sono fuori portata, perse in pensieri non detti

In this case, the English version seems to be more direct and effective; the use of anaphoric structure fits inside the period living the reader think at the American dream like a character (personification).

Reason for choice: the sentence underlines the American Dream unreachable in order to the distant dream to stay with Erica. Further, the quotation provides the reader the instability of Erica, who seems emotionally distant.

Analysis: He transmits us how much strong was the attraction for Erica in order to reinforce the attraction for USA.

The narrator wants to let the reader understand that Erica is instable and she is thinking about something, which is secret and personal.

Possible conclusion: the sentence puts the reader in front a beautiful woman unreachable; this gives a sense of unsatisfaction and coveys the idea of something one cannot have.

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It is remarkable,i must say, how being in Pakistan heightens one's sensitivity to the sight of a woman's body.

E' straordinario, devo dire, come il fatto di trovarsi in Pakistan acquista la sensibilità alla vista del corpo femminile.

The English version better conveys the meaning of the quotation.

Reason for choice:

The quotation provides the reader the difference between two cultures. America VS Pakistan

Analysis: In America, it is easier to see a female body on display than in Pakistan where they are all covered.

Possible conclusion:Maybe the reader wants to underline that Changez remember with pleasure some details of America, and that he still appreciates some features of the American culture in contrast with those of his culture.

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I told her that alcohol was illegal for Muslims to buy and so I had a Christian bootlegger who delivered booze to my house in a Suzuki pickup.

Le dissi che ai musulmani era vietato comprare alcolici, e perciò avevo un contrabbandiere cristiano che mi consegnava le bottiglie a domicilio con un pick-up Suzuki.

Surely, the English version seems more effective. The use of the word “illegal” sounds stronger than the Italian “vietato” and so expresses the value of the prohibition.

Reason for choice:The quotation provides the reader that Changez isn't so much fundamentalist. He drinks even if his religion prevents him to do so.

Analysis: .In my opinion this quotation is important because it highlights the fact that Changez does not follow the rule of the principles of his religion.

Possible conclusion: Maybe the reader wants to say that not all the Muslim are rigorous and fanatics, and in some aspects they are like the others.

CAPITOLO 3

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But there were other reasons as well: the fact that Urdu was spoken by taxicab drivers; the presence, only two blocks from my East Village apartment, of a samosa and channa-serving establishment called the Pak-Punjab Deli; the coincidence of crossing Fifth Avenue during a parade and hearing, from loudspeakers mounted on the South Asian Gay and lesbian Association float, a song which I had danced at my cousin's wedding.

Ma c'erano anche altre ragioni: il fatto che i tassisti parlassero in Urdu; la presenza, a soli due isolati dal mio appartamento nell'East Village, di un locale di nome Pak-Punjab Deli che serviva samosa e channa; la coincidenza di attraversare Fifth Avenue durante una manifestazione e sentire

, dalle casse montate sul carro della South Asian Gay and Lesbian Association, una canzone che avevo ballato al matrimonio di mio cugino.

Some elements of this quote are naturally English and therefore the Italian version gives the idea of something, which cannot be translate.

Reason for choice: This quotation provides the reader that Changez feels at home also thanks to some element, which remind his homeland.

Analysis: Now Changez is completely belonging to American society and puts N.Y. to the same level of Lahore. It’s clear that is only a sensation but in this moment, the protagonist sees N.Y. like home.

Possible conclusion: thissentence creates the effect of “home sweet home “also if the word “like” make us know that is not the true home.

Maybe the narrator wants to convey the idea that Changez it is set in the new city but without forgetting the characteristics of his country.

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Often, during my stay in your country, such comparison troubled me. In fact, they did more than trouble me: they made me resentful.  

Spesso, durante il mio soggiorno nel vostro paese, quei confronti mi hanno preoccupato, mi hanno più che preoccupato; mi hanno fatto arrabbiare

the English version seems to be stronger than Italian version; the sound of the English period is stronger

Reason for choice: the quotation gives a clear view of what can happen. There is a comparison between two countries where social differences are too high

Analysis: Here there are another comparison between USA and Pakistan.

Possible conclusion: the sentence creates the effect of anger growing and   the knowing of the big social and economic differences that signed our time

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I have subsequently wondered why my mannerisms so appealed to my senior colleagues. Perhaps it was my speech:like Pakistan,America is, after all, a former English colony,and it stands to reason,therefore,that an Anglicized accent may in your country continued to be associated with wealth and power,just as it is in mine.

Mi sono chiesto di conseguenza perché il manierismo così mi sono rivolto ai miei colleghi più vecchi. Forse era per come parlavo. Dopo tutto anche gli Stati uniti sono, come il Pakistan, una ex colonia inglese, e non è quindi così ingiustificato se un accento anglicizzato nel vostro paese continua ad essere associato alla ricchezza e al potere, come nel mio.

The syntax of Italian version seems more complex and English version seems more fluid.

Reason for choice: this quotation provides us the interior feelings that always trouble us. Further, Changez makes a comparison between Pakistan and America, referring to the fact of being an English colony.

Analysis: This is very important because Changez wonders himself why he had success with his senior colleagues and thinks it was thanked to his foreignness. In my opinion, this quotation deals with the concept of the stereotypes: if someone has an English accent he is reputed a rich person.

Possible conclusion: the quotation involve us in a question that is real also for the reader and not only for the character

Maybe the narrator wants to find common elements of Pakistan and of America.

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Four thousand years ago, we, the people of the Indus River basin, had cities that were laid out on grids and boasted underground sewers, while the ancestors of those who would invade and colonize America were illiterate barbarians. Now our cities were largely unplanned, unsanitary affairs, and America had universities with individual endowments greater than our national budget for education. To be reminded of this vast disparity was, for me, to be ashamed.

Quattromila anni fa noi, popolo del bacino del fiume Indo, avevamo città strutturate a griglia e vantavamo un sistema fognario sotterraneo, mentre gli antenati di coloro che avrebbero invaso e colonizzato l'America erano barbari analfabeti. Adesso le nostre città sono ammassi salubri e perlopiù privi di pianificazione urbanistica, mentre gli Stati Uniti hanno università dotate di capitali superiori al nostro budget nazionale per l'istruzione. Una così enorme disparità provocava in me un senso di vergogna.

the sentences sounds both in the same manner; no big syntax differences ;

Reason for choice:Changez speaks of pride for the now past period of maximum power in his country. Then starts to describe the difference between his lapsed world and the greatness of America.

Analysis: Thanks to this quotation, the reader can understand that Changez is ashamed of the decay of his homeland in contrast with the greatness of his new home.

Possible conclusion:Maybe the narrator wants to suggest that Changez starts to be more American than Pakistani, in line with what he say.

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It struck me then, no, I must be honest, it strikes me now, that storn of hair and dressed in battle fatigues, we would have been virtually indistinguishable.

Mi venne da pensare. No, devo essere onesto, mi viene da pensare adesso, che con i capelli rasati e in tenuta da combattimento saremmo stati praticamente indistinguibili.

I cannot find big differences between the English and Italian version if English version seems to be a little more effective because of the sound of the language is more harmonious.

Reason for choice: In my opinion, this quotation is important because it suggests that Changez feels like American soldiers.

Analysis: The fact that he compares himself to the American soldiers provides that he does not know to be in a global war, and he does not recognise to be a soldier of the nation, which is not that of his birth.

Possible conclusion: Maybe the narrator wants to underline that Changez feels a soldier who fight for America.

CAPITOLO 4

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We have in this country a phenomenon with which you will doubtless be unfamiliar, given the state of plenty that characterizes your homeland. Here we face a shortage of electricity that manifests itself in rolling blackouts. In America, this would have been the start, in a likelihood, of a protracted bout of litigation with the manufacturer. Here, it resulted merely in an evening of crying...

Noi abbiamo in questo paese un fenomeno che senza dubbio non le sarà familiare, visto lo stato di abbondanza che caratterizza la sua patria. Qui soffriamo di grandi carenze di elettricità che si manifestano in improvvisi black out. Negli Stati Uniti con ogni probabilità sarebbe stato l'inizio di una protratta vertenza giudiziaria con il fabbricante... qui non ne derivò che una serata di pianti.

English version seem to be more fluent and effective than the Italian one.

Reason for choice: Changez makes a comparison between Pakistan and USA.he also empathizes Lahore's great history and America's current greatness

Analysis: The narrator underlines his homeland's decline by describing a phenomenon, which is no common in USA.

Possible conclusion: Maybe the narrator wants to highlight the economic and electric difference between two States, and the comparison between two cultures: by making this comparison, Hamid would underline that Pakistani are aware to suffer a problem while America suddenly resolves it.

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Erica seemed happy that I was there, and her happiness infected me as well.        

Erica sembra felice che io sia qui e la sua felicità infetta anche me

The verb "infected “is used in the semantic field of medicine and it is used to indicate that someone has contracted a disease. In this way the narrator does not give the idea of ​​a healthy relationship, but of something which involves pain. Further the verb being reported to Erica can anticipate that she would get sick.

Reason for choice: Changez deals with his friendship with Erica ( who represents America)

Analysis: Once again, Changez tells us how he was strongly linked to her and therefore to the United States.

Possible conclusion: the sentence's objective is to make the reader feel the happiness that infect the character infecting also the reader; the objective seems to be reached both with Erica and with America.

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It is remarkable hoe theatrical man-made light can be once sunlight has begun to fade, how it can affect us emotionally...

E' incredibile quanto possano essere teatrali le luci artificiali una volta che la luce del sole è terminata, come possano toccare le emozioni.

In this case, I think that the Italian version is more effective; but at the same time, the English version had better convey the idea of a theatrical beauty.

Reason for choice: In my opinion, this quotation is important because it gives an idea of Changez's admiration for the beauty of some elements of NY.

Analysis: By making a description of the lights of NY, he gives a sense of admiration and attachment to the beauty of America.

Possible conclusion:Maybe the narrator wants to provide Changez's satisfaction for being in America and having enjoyed the view.

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[…] I felt our relationship was deepening.  

Io sento che la nostra relazione si stava approfondendo

English version is for sure simplest and more effective; The English syntax is efficient and short.

Reason for choice: good feelings but not sure

Analysis: the relationship between Changez and America seemed to go on successfully but there will be another end.

Possible conclusion: the word “I felt” make us understand that the character is hoping that the relationship is deepening but is not sure and this uncertainty is clear inside the sentence

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She smiled at the image, then became thoughtful and fell silent.

Lei sorrise all'immagine, quindi diventò pensierosa e cadde nel silenzio

English and Italian sentence are practically the same ; no big differences in syntax and sound

Reason for choice:In my opinion this quotation is important because suggests for the first time Erica's sadness.

Analysis: Now USA seems to not fully appreciate Changez and she shows herself hopelessly linked to her traditions and past.  

Possible conclusion: the narrator wants to tell us that the relationship between America and Changez in going to change rapidly in to a separation. Maybe the narrator wants to prepare the reader to the consequences of the collapse of the Twin Towers on Erica.

CAPITOLO 9

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I was saddened to find it in such a state – no, more than saddened, I was shamed . This was where I came from, this was my provenance, and it smacked of lowliness

Io mi sono rattristato di trovarlo in quello stato – no, più che rattristato ero vergognato. Questo era da dove provenivo, questa era la mia provenienza, e scioccato dalla bassezza

English and Italian syntax structures are similar but it seems that English is more effective at the end of the sentence

Inside the period the narrator underlines the disappointment writing “I came from “ , “ my provenance” ; two times a period that has the same meaning ; the effect is clear and a reader can hear the shame of the character

Reason for choice: Thesentence gives a good picture of Changez's ashamed. The intelligent reader can see the consequences of Changez's changes during his stay in NY.

Analysis: Changez is disappointed about the state of Pakistan and he is ashamed about it. He feels that there is a big difference between the America that he left and the Pakistan where he was born; His homeland is a shock for him. Changez is ashamed by the poverty of his home, because he was able to live in luxury in America.

Possible conclusion: Changez is disappointed and he cannot believe that his original country is in such a horrible state. This underlines that Changez is fear from his home and from his origins.

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[….] despite the assistance we had given America in Afghanistan, America would not fight at our side

A dispetto dell'assistenza che avevamo dato all'America in Afghanistan, l'America non avrebbe combattuto al nostro fianco

the English version seems more effective ; English seems more direct and the sound fits better the sense of the sentence

Reason for choice: the quotation paints America like a traitor.                                                                                            

Analysis: from the quotation we can feel the despite for the America behaviour that is aligned with the behaviour of a traitor

Possible conclusion: the speaker is clearly despite ; the construction of the period underlines it and ends with “ not fight at our side” leaving the sense of betrayal in the reader

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I would soon be gone, leaving my family and my home behind, and this made me a kind coward in my own eyes, a traitor  

Io me ne sarei presto andato, lasciando la mia famiglia e la mia casa dietro di me, e questo fa di me una specie di codardo ai miei occhi, un traditore.

In addition, if the English and Italian versions seems to be similar, English version seems to be synthetic and a little more effective.

Reason for choice: Changez becomes aware of his interior changes.

Analysis: Changez decides to come back in America and he is living this like a betrayal; this underlines that he is divided between the love for his origins and the attraction of the U.S.

Possible conclusion: from the quotation it is clear that character, at the same time, wants to go but wants to stay and this decision is very hard to take; The narrator starts to suggests Changez's approximation to its origins although they are different and poor from his American lifestyle.

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Look, man, he said, I do not know what is up with the beard, but I do not think it is making you Mister Popular around here.

Guarda, uomo, lui disse, io non so cosa succede alla tua barba ma non penso che diventerai il Signor Popolare qua in giro

in this case it is clear that the English version is better; the use of slang is very effective and Italian version cannot compete

Reason for choice: Changez does not shaved his beard to recognize himself as a Pakistani.

He do this for symbolic protest and to feel closer to his true identity

Analysis: This point underlines Changez's hostility against the pragmatic system of America.

Possible conclusion: The sentence gives us a real picture of the situation in U.S. after the twin towers attack.

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I am sorry about everything. Please take care of yourself

Mi dispiace di tutto; per favore prenditi cura di te

From the syntax point of view no differences are presents; we can say that also from the point of view of the sound, the two versions seems to be equal.

Reason for choice: This is an allegory, which reinforce the sense of abandon: Erica leaves Changez and at the same time, America starts to be distant from him.

Analysis: In this sentence, he greets Erica (U.S.) and this is a symbolic farewell to America and its values.

Possible conclusion: the conclusion is that America is going and he is very sad but he takes his decision; by the syntactic analysis, we can feel his certainty for decision taken.

CAPITOLO 10

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I found myself unable to concentrate on our work

Mi sono trovato incapace di concentrarmi sul nostro lavoro

English version seems to be more effective and synthetic then Italian version;

Reason for choice:   Changez's worry for his homeland starts to get deeper and deeper

Analysis: he is concentrating on Pakistan situation and he cannot concentrate on his work ; from the sentence we can see he is worried about it but he cannot end to think about it

Possible conclusion: sometimes we cannot control our feelings that take over us and make us take wrong decisions without evaluate all the possible alternatives

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I was not certain where I belonged- in N.Y. . in Lahore , in both, in neither

Io non ero certo a che luogo appartenessi- a N.Y, a Lahore, ad entrambi, a nessuno dei due

English seems to have a simplest syntax so the result is a better and more effective sentence.

Reason for choice: problems of identity                                                                                           

Analysis: the quotation underlines a big problem of identity ; Changez has an internal conflict and he doesn't know who he is and where he belong; he doesn't know if he is American, Pakistani, both or neither.

Possible conclusion: The narrator lists all the possibilities to underline the internal conflict and the effect is to involve reader in this uncertain situation. The situation is not simple because his family inside a crisis area far from him.

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this caused me to reflect again on the absurdity of my situation being two hemispheres from home at time when my family was in need

Questo mi ha fatto riflettere ancora sull'assurdità della mia situazione, essendo due emisferi da casa nel momento in cui la mia famiglia aveva bisogno di me.

The syntax structures are the same; again, English seems to sound better and more effective.

Thanks to the words it is possible to feel a sense of guilty growing inside the protagonist

Reason for choice: absurd situation – sense of guilty

Analysis: the situation is absurd because he is helping America, working for it, instead of taking care of his family, which is in need due to the Pakistan crisis.

Possible conclusion: the protagonist is in a very bad situation and this situation makes him start to do bad thinks so he will take strong decisions in the future.

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I spent that night considering what I had become.... I was a modern-day Janissary, a servant of the American Empire.

Ho passato la notte riflettendo su quello che ero diventato.... Ero un Giannizzero dei giorni nostri, un servo dell'Impero Americano

In addition, here the Syntax is quite the same for English and Italian version. English is shortly respect Italian and so the sound is a little better

Reason for choice: The protagonist starts to think like a fundamentalist. At this point Changez starts to see himself as a servant of the American empire, but he is not still aware of being part of a real global economic war.

Analysis: Changez realizes to have become one of the many pieces, which compose the American capitalistic system so he feels himself a servant of American Empire; The language starts to be very near to fundamentalists; he compares himself to a soldier, servant of the Empire.

Possible conclusion: the protagonist is going to become a fundamentalist. In this change both America and Pakistan have their influence for different reasons

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In wartime, soldiers do not really fight for their flags, Changez. They fight for their friends, their friends. Their team.

In tempo di guerra I soldati non combattono veramente per le loro bandiere, Changez. Loro combatto per I loro amici, I loro compagni. La loro squadra.

English version is for sure shortly, effective and sounds better than Italian version; the narrator uses words like “friends”; “buddies”; “team” to emphasize what is really important

Reason for choice: what is real important during hard times

Analysis: Changez colleague underlines that during a crisis period everybody has to fight for people who sustain him and not for a patriotic feeling and he must not let patriotic feeling take over him.

Possible conclusion: During a time of crisis it is better to take care of the feelings and fight for them, than run behind a flag; in my opinion, the message is that also in wartimes love for friends must be stronger than hate for flags.