DefinePK

Abstract

This paper explores the complex interplay of power dynamics, cultural representation, and resistance in Mohsin Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, focusing on how East-West encounters shape individual identities and socio-political relationships. Drawing on postcolonial theory, the study examines how historical legacies of colonialism and contemporary global inequalities are reflected in the experiences of the protagonists, Changez and Amir. Through a comparative analysis, the paper investigates how economic disparities, cultural hierarchies, and migratory dislocation influence character development and narrative structure. Both novels depict the Western world as a site of opportunity and alienation, where success often demands the suppression of Eastern identity. Spatial symbolism-particularly the contrast between cities like Lahore and New York, Kabul and San Francisco-further illustrates the ideological divide between the East and the West. The characters' journeys reveal internal conflicts rooted in colonial residues and cultural othering, as well as moments of resistance against hegemonic narratives. The paper argues that these novels challenge reductive portrayals of the East by emphasizing the richness, dignity, and resilience of marginalized communities. In doing so, they contribute to a broader critique of Western-centric discourses and underscore the need for a more nuanced, equitable understanding of global cultural interactions. Ultimately, the study highlights literature's role in interrogating and resisting dominant power structures through storytelling.