In the present text I am going to analyse Mohsin Hamid’s fiction “The Reluctant Fundamentalist ” in order to understand the function of the first chapter and how it contributes to the meaning of the novel.

It is an introductory chapter, in which the reader can find topics that will be points of discussion in the whole novel. First of all the presence of Western and Eastern stereotypes. They are functional to introduce the cultural, economic and political war between the West and the East, that is still fought nowadays. More in details, the writer analyses the conflict and the differences between Pakistan and America, the nation that has overcome the other one and that is focused on the gain. They are also the two settings of the novel.

During the first chapter, the reader can but-notice the positive judgment of the protagonist, Changez, towards America. He is willing to work hard in Underwood Samson to make the nation great. He is introduced by the writer through how he acts and how he expresses himself. More in details, Changez narrates his story using the narrative technique of the monologue, inserting questions directly addressed to the reader, who identifies himself with the American listener. The choice is functional to raise up the reader’s attention. Lastly, the writer introduces also another character: Jim, the executive VP of Underwood Samson.