My son the Fanatic
← Literature and Community | Critique of Alien Relative by Amy Tan → |
As exhibited in “My son the Fanatic”, Hanif Kureishi presents a picture of a big conflict between Parvez and his son Ali. This conflict is majorly a result of Ali’s stand on religious matters; we see Ali a staunch Muslim keenly adhering the Koran’s teachings while his father (not a religious person from childhood) having trouble following Alla’s teachings. Ali’s attitude changes on many issues including on his father as a result of this development.
On page 147, from the 11th to 15th paragraph, we see Ali sticking to Zakat (which describes the aspects of Islam) which makes him to discard his fashionable clothes, computer disks, videotapes, TV, stereo system, guitar, video player and other possessions which he regards anti Islam to keep. He even starts keeping a beard. These developments make his father to think that Ali’s is taking drugs. On the other hand, Ali sees his father as having left the Koran teachings and so does not approve of his way of life. It is even said that when Parvez took a drink in Ali’s company, the boy winced, or made some kind of fastidious face. He hated his father for this.
In this story, the two had a conflict over what was best for Ali; according to Parvez, Ali was to study accounting and get a good job and he works long hours to see that it happens but Ali gives up his studies and instead goes to work in prison with poor Muslims which he deems right as far as the Koran is concerned. He also gives up sports and breaks up with his English girlfriend. Ali generally hates Britain and all that pertains to it. This makes his father think that he has become addicted to drugs and he even talks to Bettina in the hope of getting some helpful advice.
Parvez has embraced the ways of the west and we see this in the way he drinks socializes with the prostitute – Bettina and even eats pork which is anti Islam. This increases the conflict with his son who detests the westerners’ ways and is willing to go for a jihad against them. We also see Ali declining to have an appointment with his father on the grounds that he is busy (with religious issues).
The extent of this conflict is also exhibited when Ali meets his father with Bettina the prostitute. Ali gets into the car and sits on the back seat where passengers usually sit an indication that they are more of strangers than father and son. Certainly, Bettina is closer to Parvez than his own son.
Looking at this conflict, on can fail to notice that is not only a religious conflict but also an intergenerational conflict. Parvez represents the older generation while Ali is a representative of the younger generation. This is brought out in the difference on their attitudes on life; like the older generation, Parvez thinks he’s the one to shape Ali’s future and so he is doing all he can so that Ali can get a good job (be an accountant), marry the right girl (an English girl), and start a family (p. 149 ll.15-16). Ali, on the other hands believes he is to be left and decide all these by himself.
In this conflict, we have both the right and wrong sides depending on where one decides to stand. For instance, from a parental perspective, Parvez is right as it is believed that a parent is charged with the responsibility ensuring a better future for his children. And so I would say he was right because he meant good for Ali in all these. On the other hand, Ali is equally right given the freedom of worship and subscribing to any religion around the world. It is his life and therefore he should be left to make his decisions so as to be responsible for his own life.
- Critique of Alien Relative by Amy Tan
- The Cask of Amontillado
- Literature and Community
- The Scarlet Letter
![]() |
Joyce T.
New Orleans, LA
|
|
I was trying to choose between EssaysEmpire.com and another online writing service and I didn’t know which one to pick. Then, I began to read reviews. I didn’t read even one thing negative about EssaysEmpire.com, and the other site was fraught with complaints. I went with EssaysEmpire.com, and it turned out that all the good things I had read about the service were true. My paper was fully guaranteed, but it was A-1 quality. The customer service people were great. The prices were right. Now, I am a devoted fan. When I need help with my writing, I go straight to EssaysEmpire.com! |
![]() |
Millie P.
Jackson, WY
|
|
Thanks goes out to the writer who filled my order. He did everything right the first time around. I had to ask for one tiny revision, but that was my own fault for leaving it out of the directions. |
![]() |
Phil E.
South Hadley, MA
|
|
So often, when one deals with customer service, he or she is treated rudely. That was not the case with EssaysEmpire.com. The agents were helpful and friendly, knowledable and concerned. I, for one, was astounded with their competence. When it came down to the actual written material that I ordered, it was much better than I had anticipated. There are clearly some expert writers who work for EssaysEmpire.com. I would rate this writing service as exceptional, 5 stars out of 5 stars. I will happily return when I need help with another written work. |
![]() |
Bryce F.
Capistrano, CA
|
|
Thanks for the excellent job that you guys did on my history assignment and my bio research paper. I never could have done this on my own. |
![]() |
Hannah B.
Tulsa, OK
|
|
I am happy. I am happy because I got an A+ on my research paper. I did this by hiring the professional writers at EssaysEmpire.com to write it for me. It was everything I had hoped it would be. Thanks, EssaysEmpire.com! |
![]() |
Mia W.
Amherst, MA
|
|
Dear EssaysEmpire.com, I would like to put in a good word for Writer #32412. He was really under the gun. I didn’t give him much notice because I had my dates mixed up and my paper was due sooner than I expected. He didn’t let me down, though. He wrote until the paper was perfected. I handed it in on time got an A+ and wish your writers could accept tips, because I would leave this guy a HUGE one! |
![]() |
Doreen A.
Malibu, CA
|
|
Due to a family emergency, I was unable to complete a very important paper. Thanks to EssaysEmpire.com, I was able to hand in a well written paper and not sacrifice my grade. I will be forever grateful to your writing service for providing such outstanding work. Thank you so much. |
![]() |
Maddie P.
Seattle, WA
|
|
The EssaysEmpire.com website is so great! There are no mysteries to be solved. They give you the full layout about what they have to offer and how much it costs. No surprises. I had a couple of questions about the different options and their customer service rep was so friendly! She answered all my questions. I ordered my first paper and it was so well written that I got an A+ on it! Thank you, EssaysEmpire.com! |
![]() |
Louise O.
Oakland, CA.
|
|
The A+ that I got on the paper that I ordered from you, helped boost my grade up an entire letter grade! Thanks, EssaysEmpire.com! |
![]() |
Sharon S.
Dallas, TX
|
|
I greatly appreciate your assistance. Writing has never been my strong point. When I needed help, EssaysEmpire.com gave it to me. I am completely satisfied! |
![]() |
Delaine A.
Taos, NM
|
|
I had a question about the pricing. As I glanced through the EssaysEmpire.com website, I noticed that they were offering a lot for not all that much money. I spoke to a customer service person and she told me that the prices I saw on the website were accurate. Therefore, I ordered my first paper, not expecting all that much. What I got back was a brilliantly written essay that earned an A+ mark! Wow! I am impressed! |
![]() |
Quincy S.
Cambridge, MA
|
|
You guys did a super job on my paper. The work definitely exceeded my expectations and eased my anxiety. This was the first time I had hired a writing service. The transaction was seamless. I would use you guys again in a heartbeat! No questions asked. You’re the best, hands down. |
![]() |
Glen M.
Oakland, CA
|
|
Your writers are awesome! I got an A and two A+’s on the papers that they wrote for me! |
![]() |
Trilly M.
Spokane, WA
|
|
I just had to let you know how much I appreciated receiving a paper back that was of quality that high. I will recommend your writing service to other people I know. You guys do great work. |
![]() |
Terry M.
Sparta, NJ
|
|
I got an A+ on the paper that you guys wrote for me. I can’t believe it! THANKS!!!! Many, many thanks! This A+ added those few extra points that I needed to stay on the Dean’s Honor List. You’re the greatest, EssaysEmpire.com! |
![]() |
Tiffany E.
Monroe, LA
|
|
I am 100% satisfied with the writer that you assigned to my project. This person understood exactly what I needed, even though I’m not the best communicator and the instructions were tedious and difficult. I felt certain I would have to send my paper back for a number of revisions, but I didn’t. The writer was able to convey exactly what I wished to express and he did it in record time!Thanks for everything. EssaysEmpire.com is the greatest! |
![]() |
Mark C.
Mexico City, MX
|
|
Thanks to EssaysEmpire.com, I was able to keep my GPA up and will be graduating soon. I really needed assistance with my writing. I aced everything else, but I have always had problems expressing myself in writing. The writers at EssaysEmpire.com took the ball and ran with it! Because of them, I am going to graduate. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all of the valuable assistance. |
![]() |
Mark M.
Cambridge, MA
|
|
The paper I ordered from EssaysEmpire.com is incomparable! Thanks for doing such stellar work. I have recommended your services to a few other folks who plan to try you out soon. EssaysEmpire.com gets my vote for best writing service every time. |
![]() |
Tommy Davids
Singapore, CH
|
|
EssaysEmpire.com knows how to do the things that it takes to instill confidence in their customers. They can be counted on every time, to deliver high quality service and high quality writing at prices that we can afford. I would never use any other writing company. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It ain’t broke! |
![]() |
Marcy V.
Paris, FR
|
|
Given the short amount of time I gave your writers to create my term paper, I was amazed by how good it was when I received it back! It appeared they had spent months writing it, rather than just one week. Thank you, EssaysEmpire.com! I enjoyed doing business with you. You are a fabulous writing company. |