Eric Choi’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update

I feel like Changez’s end of relationship with Erica especially stands out to me. After leaving Central Park, hopes were gone for Changez and Erica's relationship, and then the lights being gone in the cafe sort of symbolize the relationship of Changez and Erica. Furthermore, I think it was also a cultural difference between Changez and the United States.

It was interesting to mention New York's skyline and compare it with Pakistan's skyline because I think it showed that the exterior of the United States seems like a perfect place, unlike Pakistan. But it seems like the exterior creates a distance between Changez and America due to an appearance and different culture. It may be a reason why the relationship between Changez and Erica waned.

During the beginning of the story, I felt like Changez's story didn’t feel like someone else’s. When I first came to the United States, I also saw a few people who had prejudices about me, although I knew they weren't intending to be rude to me. Furthermore, I feel like Changez's love towards Erica is a type of metaphor throughout this story because I think it also kind of a Changez's optimism in America.