The first chapter of “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” introduces the protagonist, Changez, and his interlocutor, a mysterious American man whose real identity is unknown throughout the whole novel. Changez treats the foreigner based on the prejudices he has of Americans. He has a slight condescending manner that is highlighted by Changez’s tendency to lead the conversation ignoring the stranger. However, it is by replying to the American’s question about his time at Princetown that Changez starts telling his story, which is central to the plot.

In the first chapter all the main themes are presented, but the reader understands this only after finishing the novel. Changez meets the foreigner but only introduces himself later on. He tells the stranger about the time when he attended Princetown University in the USA explaining how he took pride in being among the talented ones who were chosen. He explains very clearly what American universities are aiming at by admitting the best foreign students: universities and the USA, as much as Underwood Samson, intend on putting at work their talent for prestigious American companies. Only after graduating Changez becomes more aware of American power and therefore he asks himself whether he wants to contribute to it. Lastly, he tells about his interview for Underwood Samson and how he is employed by a manager who had a similar economic status as Changez when he started working for the company.

Even though Changez was indoctrinated by Princetown University and Underwood Samson to embrace America, he took a step back and became more critical of it, not losing his love for Pakistan.