Elements of the Fundamentalist

Hamid has a unique style of writing, to say the least. His use of point of view makes his writing distinct and helps the reader relate to a character they normally would be unable to feel a connection with. Changez is not your typical main character, and he seemingly lacks a ‘fatal flaw,’ which should make it hard for a reader to connect, but Hamid provides the mysterious American for this purpose. We don’t know very much about the American, but this is good in a way, because it’s easier for us to pretend that we are the American, and that Changez is telling us his story. He explains to us just how important point of view is, especially when he talks about the different ways America can be viewed. Hamid uses perspective to further enhance his story, and help us understand America through a foreigner’s eyes.