Identity Crisis Essay Example

father's newfound infatuation with this way of life.

Kureishi, who follows Islam, is unable to partake in British social and cultural activities like drinking or consuming pork. This conflict illustrates how living in a different culture can lead one to abandon their traditional beliefs, causing strain in the father-son relationship. Throughout the narrative, the passage undergoes a shift as the clash between father and son intensifies. The author adjusts his writing style by employing specific words and statements in certain scenes of the story.

Kureishi discusses Parvez's drinking and how he associates it with Western culture. Ali strongly disagrees with his father's behavior and confronts him about it. Kureishi states, "Whenever Parvez drank, Ali would cringe... This only made Parvez drink even more quickly" (124-125). Ali is also worried about his father's relationship with the prostitute Betina. Rather than discussing his concerns with his wife, Parvez chooses to confide in Betina. Initially, readers are repulsed by Parvez's actions, but Kureishi encourages readers to sympathize with him. Kureshi reveals Parvez's past experiences in order to justify his behavior.

Despite his shortcomings, he is a regular man who simply wants the best for his family. Throughout the story, the clash between father and son's identities is constantly emphasized. This cultural and social conflict between them persists until the end of the short story. Even though the conflict remains unresolved, Kureishi concludes the story with a strong climax that forces readers to reflect on their beliefs and choose a side in the father-son argument. Following a heated argument, Parvez can no longer handle Ali's behavior.

Parvez physically assaults Ali in a drunken state, causing

him to have a split lip and bleed. Despite this unprovoked attack, Ali questions his father about who truly embodies extremism (131). The narrative concludes by presenting readers with a significant decision to resolve the conflict. On one hand, there is Ali, a young man who defiantly lives according to his native beliefs and culture. On the other hand, there is Parvez, an ordinary man with his own flaws, longing to assimilate into Western culture for the sake of his son's experiences.

Kureishi's story "My Son the Fanatic" presents readers with the opportunity to take a stance on the issue at hand, as depicted through the declining relationship between Parvez and Ali. The story's structure and title imply that Kureishi would align himself with Parvez, who aspires to assimilate into Western culture. Parvez's sole objective is for his son to feel accepted by society and achieve a successful future. However, his determined efforts catalyze Ali's rebellion against him. Kureishi deliberately leaves it up to readers to determine who truly embodies the fanaticism portrayed in the story.