“It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences”. At least that is what Harry S. Truman said. “My Son the Fanatic”, written by Hanif Kureishi, is a good example on how someone can’t sit down and work out their differences. In this essay, I will examine how the relationship between a father and his son can be destroyed by something that could have been prevented – and should have been!
Parvez, the father, is a well-integrated man who lives in London with his family, but originally comes from Pakistan. Parvez lives like a Londoner and doesn’t care what is forbidden in the Pakistani culture: he drinks; he visits prostitutes and he gables. He actually seems like he has forgotten his background. But he is still a caring man: he cares a lot for his family, is worried when his son is acting strange and wants (what he thinks is) the best for him.
Ali, the son, is the complete opposite. Through his childhood he was an excellent student and had a lot of hobbies. But this story is about his change: how he stopped playing the guitar, how his English girlfriend never came over anymore and how he started acting different than before. Parvez discovers that Ali’s strange behavior is caused by religion. Ali becomes religious and he now sees the world different than before. He thinks that there are more important things to be done than playing the guitar; he thinks his father’s behavior is wicked; and he prays to be rewarded with paradise.
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