Davis Evans

Personalities/Relationships in My Son the Fanatic

In the short story My Son the Fanatic by Hanif Kureshi, Alis deep-seated desire for

high self-esteem causes him to begin hunting for a place in which he belongs; he finally

discovers religion, but destroys his relationships with those closest to him. Alis superior attitude

and Parvezs ignorance cause them to have a falling out; however, it could have been avoided

had either of them been more responsible.

Alis sudden change in lifestyle and personality disturbs others to the point of fear; he

changed so much, others were concerned for his wellbeing. Although Ali was satisfied before,

the narrator recounts he "parted from old English girlfriend", suggesting a change in lifestyle and

a disappointment in what previously kept him fulfilled. This is further revealed by his removal of

many things from his home; he threw out nice clothes, pictures, and even expensive electronics.

The observant author describes the walls as "unhappy" and bearing "mark" which establishes the

negative feelings because of the change. His change disturbs others, but begins to establish his

feelings of patronization and superiority. Ali says "there are more important things to be done"

which illustrates a sort of arrogant condescension.

Parvezs emotional instability and his sons change in lifestyle lead him to fear his son

and to be driven to alcoholism; he begins to lose himself in his ravings, and he even ends up

beating his son. Parvez was not all that successful in his life in England. Disappointment takes

the form of failure: "his dreams of doing well in England would have come true". Despite his

shortcomings, Parvez had always been proud of Ali. Despite his son's normalcy, the speaker

states that "Parvez has been pleased" which makes it seem that his son is acceptable in his
eyes, to say the least. That said, as soon as Ali began to change, Parvez didnt know what to

do. Implying both his need for escape and his disappointment, the speaker comments on how

Parvez "went more to the whisky bottle", suggesting he is worried about Ali.

Between Parvez and Ali, the lack of reason is astounding. The fact that they cannot be mature

people causes them to have a falling out and cause each other much trauma. As soon as Ali

began acting differently, Parvezs lack of reason only heightened the issue. He became to live

in fear of Ali. The narrator reveals that Parvez "began entering his son's bedroom" which

suggests a lack of trust and a desire to connect with his son. Ali was not completely in the

right either though. His attitude of superiority distanced him further from his father and all

those around him. He was even satisfied through his father beating him.