My Son the Fanatic

Plot Summary

The short story "My Son the Fanatic" by Hanif Kureishi is about the problems between Parvez, a Pakistani immigrant in England, and his son Ali. Parvez notices that Ali's behavior has changed and suspects that something is wrong with his son. He talks to his friends about his concerns, and they conclude that Ali is taking drugs. Parvez, who is a taxi driver, often drives Bettina, a prostitute, around, and he confides in her about his son. She advises him to watch his son more closely and look for clues about his addiction.

Despite Parvez's strict observation, he cannot find any evidence of his son's addiction. However, he notices that Ali is growing a beard, giving away his belongings to charity shops, and praying five times a day. Parvez decides to talk to Ali about these things and takes him out to a restaurant. However, they end up quarreling, and Ali criticizes his father for breaking too many rules of the Koran. He also tells his father that he wants to give up his studies in accounting.

Parvez feels that he has lost his son and asks him to leave the house. However, Bettina convinces him to try to understand his son better. Parvez grows a beard to please his son and talks to him about his attitudes towards life. However, Ali still despises his father for not sticking to the Koran. When Parvez and Bettina meet Ali on the street, he insults Bettina, and Parvez hits his son in anger.

Parvez

Parvez is a Pakistani immigrant who has been a taxi driver in England for twenty years. He was taught the Koran in Lahore, but his relationship with the Koran is indifferent. He loves crispy bacon and avoids all religions. He has problems with alcohol and often drinks too much, even when he is at work. Parvez loves Bettina and confides in her about things he cannot discuss with his wife.

Ali

Ali is Parvez's son, and his behavior has changed. He is growing a beard, giving away his belongings to charity shops, and praying five times a day. Ali's behavior results from his Islamic religion, which makes him stick to the Koran. He has a close relationship with Islam and even thinks of going to war. Ali becomes arrogant and intolerant towards his father and his way of life.

Relationship between Parvez and Ali

The relationship between Parvez and Ali is bad, and they do not understand each other. Parvez notices that his son's behavior has changed, but he misunderstands it as drug addiction. Ali's behavior results from his religion, which Parvez does not understand. They have a generation conflict and different attitudes towards life. Parvez wants his son to make the best of his life, but Ali does not agree with his father's way of life. The situation escalates, and Parvez hits his son in anger.

Conclusion

"My Son the Fanatic" is a story about the problems between a father and his son. The story shows how religion can create a gap between people and how a generation conflict can lead to misunderstandings. The story ends with Parvez hitting his son, and it is clear that they have lost each other forever.