THE ESSENCE OF EXISTENTIALISM IN MOHSIN HAMID NOVEL THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST

Abstract

This research analysis explores such issues and problems people encounter in present-day lives, especially in the eyes of Changez in Mohsin Hamid's novel "The Reluctant Fundamentalist." How a whole world can go against his beliefs because of one terrorist attack on September 11, Changez simply cannot understand. Changez began to lead a good and comfortable life in America, but later he decides to leave everything and move back to Pakistan. Transformation is not only about changing location but also about the inner turmoil Changez goes through to find out who he is and where he belongs. In this story, we learn how people's identities are influenced by their cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and interactions with others. As Changez begins his journey, he gets pulled against the strong values and beliefs. He still stays caught between his new adopted western worldview and his eastern heritage and roots. This creates a tension that rings in problems many people of today's globalized world face as a result of conflicts of various cultures and ideologies. Changez's experiences indicate how difficult it is to maintain one's own identity and sense of belonging against such challenges. This research will help understand what lies beneath the reasons for Changez's change. It will critically examine how far his personal struggles reflect broader social issues, such as pursuing authenticity, globalization, and the complexity of human existence in general. This makes it easy to deeply understand the human condition of the 21st century through the exploration of Changez's journey. This novel is different because the storytelling is told from a first-person narrative through the direct voice of Changez, sharing his thoughts as we get to experience him introspectively. Thus, his existential thought becomes very contemplative in urging the reader to reflect upon his existence in the world.