A Narrative of Confrontation and Reconciliation Through Vivid Symbolism: A Study of Mohsin Hamid's Novel the Reluctant Fundamentalist
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Abstract
This study examined The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid, a response to American position on 9/11. The author's 'research back' and 'counter history' literary technique was explored to analyze it as a fiction of confrontation and reconciliation. Both the elements have been studied with reference to vivid symbolism of the characters, names, situations, texts and references. The novel is a bold encounter with American political narrative and military response. Out of a huge volume of post-9/11 fiction, The Reluctant Fundamentalist stands out as a part of counter narrative literature. This study reveals its position as a fiction which puts forth a balanced approach. The novel, despite displaying the element of confrontation, presents the gesture of reconciliation. It does not incite for war; it invites for political, cultural and socioeconomic engagement. It stipulates the need for Pakistan and the Muslim world to minimize their gulf of mistrust and misunderstanding with America.