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How are Parvez's, Ali's, and Bettina's perspectives on life characterized in My Son the Fanatic?
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Parvez, Ali, and Bettina in "My Son the Fanatic" represent contrasting life perspectives. Parvez is a hard-working immigrant who embraces Western values, enjoying freedom and moderate indulgences, and is disappointed by his son Ali's rejection of these opportunities. Ali, idealistic and radicalized, seeks deeper meaning through strict adherence to Islamic values, viewing Western materialism as shallow. Bettina, a prostitute and Parvez's friend, provides a pragmatic and empathetic perspective, encouraging understanding between father and son while highlighting the cultural clash.
The short story "My Son the Fanatic" by Hanif Kureishi tells of a clash between a father of Pakistani heritage who has adapted well to the culture of his new homeland in the West and his son who has chosen to live by traditional Islamic values. The story works well because of the nuanced characterizations, which present both the father's and the son's points of view sympathetically. The prostitute Bettina serves as a focal point at the climax of the story that illustrates the differences between the viewpoints of father and son.
Parvez, the father, has been driving a taxi in England for twenty years. He has adopted Western customs, such as the eating of pork and the consumption of alcoholic drinks, which, as his son points out, are contrary to guidelines set out in Islamic law. Parvez works hard to support his family and has typically Western...
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aspirations for his son Ali. He is proud of Ali for excelling at sports and for getting good grades. He wants to see Ali "get a good job, now, marry the right girl and start a family." Parvez, as an immigrant, has assimilated into Western culture and admires the West for its opportunities for economic advancement and prosperity. He cannot comprehend why his son wants to turn his back on everything he has, including all his material possessions, and revert, in his opinion, to an inferior lifestyle.
Ali, on the other hand, has found a system of values to believe in that is based on the traditions and religion of his ancestors. He finds Western materialism shallow and unfulfilling. He renounces his possessions and turns to prayer, ritualistic observances, and strict obedience to religious guidelines. It is a radical transformation that causes a profound change in his appearance, values, and day-to-day actions. His father Parvez might have accepted this change if his son had taken the time to explain it rationally, but instead Ali self-righteously displays fanaticism and intolerance to any opposing or even compromising viewpoint. His extreme attitude is highlighted when he treats Bettina so harshly.
The character Bettina brings out the contrast between the worldviews of father and son. She sees things from the perspective of life on the streets. She is a prostitute, but she is also a kind person who offers Parvez friendship and sometimes gives him good advice. Parvez accepts her despite her flaws and values her as a confidante. His friendship with Bettina is one of the most graphic proofs that he has embraced the values of the West. On the other hand, in his self-righteousness, Ali cannot see past Bettina's imperfections to the kindly person within. He judges her without really getting to know her. This is an indication of the drawbacks in Ali's youthful zeal and it also indicates the need he has for wisdom to accompany his fervor.
We see then, that Parvez, Ali, and Bettina are all imperfect characters confronted by choices having to do with the juxtaposition of dissimilar cultures.
Parvez
Parvez is Ali's father. He is a hard-working cab driver who has worked long hours to afford his son the best education his money can buy. His stance on religion and life are closely intertwined. A painful experience at the hands of his religious teachers during his youth has sworn Parvez off organized religion.
He is content to enjoy the freedom his adopted England accords him and to live a quiet life. Parvez believes a good man should be able to enjoy an occasional alcoholic drink or some bacon despite it being forbidden in the Islamic faith. He reasons that 'life is for living,' basically that such treats, taken well within reason and moderation, should not implicate one's moral character. Parvez also believes that one should improve upon all the opportunities that life affords. To that end, he is disappointed and grieved that Ali has failed to take full advantage of all the options available to him by way of his education.
Ali
According to the story, Ali is a sincere and idealistic young man who has been seduced by radical voices. He finds it hard to relate to his father's relaxed attitudes about life and religion. Although he is a trained accountant, he hungers for something more meaningful in his life than the daily grind. He believes that many Muslims are oppressed around the world and is irritated that his father does not acknowledge this fact. He wishes to do his part to contribute to better lives and opportunities for his people. Ali differs with his father in his religious outlook: he views the restrictions in Islam as a necessary tool to preserve morality rather than as an oppressive religious mechanism to control the populace, as his father believes.
Bettina
Bettina is a prostitute who is a good friend of Parvez's. She is a good listener and is supportive of Parvez's attempts to communicate with Ali. Although we do not know if Bettina is religious, her outlook on life is closer to that of Parvez's than Ali's. This comes out clearly in the exchange she has with Ali. While she addresses Ali as if he were a relative she cares about, Ali is contemptuous of her profession as a prostitute and refuses to engage in any meaningful conversation with her. It is Bettina who encourages Parvez to communicate to Ali that there are other philosophies in life worth exploring besides that accorded by religion. She begs Parvez to be patient with Ali.
Bettina understands that young people are often impulsive and impetuous; to that end, she believes that Parvez's parental love and support will help Ali sort out the often confusing messages promulgated by 'cults and superstitious groups.'