CHAPTER 2

1)Main functions of the chapter:

The main function of the chapter is to introduce one of the most important characters of the novel: Erica. She is a girl that Changez met in his vacation in Greece.

2)Structural elements of the novel:

The novelist uses the vacation in Greece to present the different social classes Changez and his companions belong to: the protagonist appeals to his “sign-on bonus from Underwood Samson” to support his trip, while the others enjoy of dividends of their trust funds or of the courtesy of gifts from their parents.

The reader can notice the way Changez speaks about Erica: he uses words such as “regal” and “tiara”, as he is speaking about a goddess. It appears immediately clear Changez’s admiration for the girl. Another important aspect comes to surface: the difference between Pakistani and American culture. Indeed the narrator wants to emphasize the different conception of women’s body: Changez observed “Many women nearby were, as usual, sunbathing topless”, while in Pakistan women has to wear ħijāb and Burquas. Moreover he touches the topic of women's sexuality is not covered by the Pakistani mindset.

Is it also introduced the character of Chris, Erica’s ex boyfriend who was died of cancer.
Is interesting to notice how the narrator makes of the characters a personification: the name “Erica” reminds to America; likewise “Chris” recalls to Christianity and “Changez” contains the word “change”.