Exit West Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who is the author of 'Exit West'?

Mohsin Hamid

What is the first location described in the book?

City swollen by refugees (Middle East)

How is Saeed described in the book?

Has 2 parents, comfortable home/upbringing; optimistic, never bitter, not very religious; becomes bitter, doesn't do well with unfamiliar surroundings, and very religious.

How is Nadia described?

Wears a black robe, lives away from her parents and sister; reserved, progressive, independent; adapts well to current situations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of 'Exit West'?

Connecting Signup and view all the answers

How did Saeed and Nadia meet?

In an advertising class, slow to progress, fun, and they were into each other. Signup and view all the answers

How did Saeed enter Nadia's apartment?

He wore a black robe. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Saeed and Nadia lose touch for a while?

All phone signals went out. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Saeed's mother was shot and killed?

Nadia moved in with Saeed and his father. Signup and view all the answers

What did Saeed and Nadia do when people were being murdered?

They met a man who brought them to a magic door that led to the Greek island of Mykonos. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Saeed and Nadia stay in Mykonos?

In a refugee camp with other migrants. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Saeed meet in Mykonos?

An old friend that 'helped' him with resources; his friend actually scammed him. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Saeed and Nadia took a walk on the beach?

Nadia got cut which led her to getting medical assistance from a girl who brought them to another magic door that took them to London. Signup and view all the answers

What is the third location mentioned in the book?

A large mansion in London. Signup and view all the answers

What did Nadia do in the mansion that made Saeed angry?

She took a shower. Signup and view all the answers

Who else stayed in the mansion?

Refugees/migrants from all around the world, mostly Nigerians. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Nadia befriend in the mansion?

Nigerians, especially an elderly Nigerian woman. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Saeed befriend?

People from his home country who have the same values as him. Signup and view all the answers

What caused Saeed and Nadia to get injured?

Attacks from nativist mobs. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Saeed and Nadia's relationship in London?

They started to fight but then decided to stop. They grew apart because of their differences in adapting to their situations. Specifically, Saeed's growing religion became a wedge between them. Signup and view all the answers

What did Saeed and Nadia do next in London?

They joined a worker camp, similar to sharecropping. If they work, they might get water and electricity. Signup and view all the answers

Where was the next location they traveled to?

Marin, CA near San Francisco. Signup and view all the answers

What was different about Marin compared to London?

There were almost no natives; the entire city was full of migrants like them. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Saeed and Nadia's relationship in Marin?

They were really growing apart, but they stayed loyal. Then they mutually agreed to split. Saeed found another girl, and so did Nadia. Signup and view all the answers

What did Nadia do when they split up?

She lived at her work, then started seeing a cook. She started dating the cook after a heart to heart after a concert. Signup and view all the answers

What did Saeed do when they split up?

He went to church, then started seeing the preacher's daughter. Signup and view all the answers

What happened at the very end of the book?

Saeed and Nadia meet 50 years later at a cafe back home. They reflect on their years together and apart. He says he'll take her to see the stars in the deserts of Chile, but they know that day will never come. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author

Mohsin Hamid is the writer of Exit West.

First Location

Initial setting is a Middle Eastern city overwhelmed by refugees.

Saeed

Comes from a comfortable background with two parents.
Maintains an optimistic demeanor, is not very religious, though later becomes more religious and bitter in unfamiliar environments.

Nadia

Dresses in a black robe and lives independently, away from her family.
Described as reserved, progressive, and adapts well to changing situations.

Theme of the Book

Central theme revolves around connection and the bonds formed through shared experiences.

Relationship in Home City

Saeed and Nadia meet in an advertising class, developing a fun and slow-paced relationship where they are mutually interested in each other.

Saeed's Entrance to Nadia's Apartment

Saeed is able to visit Nadia by wearing a black robe, which is significant in the context of their culture.

Loss of Communication

Their connection is disrupted when all phone signals fail.

After Saeed's Mother's Death

Following the tragic event when Saeed's mother is killed, Nadia moves in with him and his father for support.

Encountering Danger

During times of violence, they meet a man who introduces them to a magic door, leading to the Greek island of Mykonos.

Refugee Camp in Mykonos

In Mykonos, they stay in a camp with other migrants, highlighting the shared plight of refugees.

Saeed's Encounter in Mykonos

Saeed meets a supposed friend, who ends up scamming him, emphasizing the theme of trust and betrayal.

Medical Assistance on the Beach

Nadia gets injured while walking on the beach, leading to medical help from a girl who directs them to another magic door to London.

Third Location

The next significant setting is a large mansion in London where they find shelter.

Tension in the Mansion

A moment of conflict arises when Nadia takes a shower, leading to Saeed's anger, showcasing their growing differences.

Residents of the Mansion

The mansion houses various refugees from around the world, predominantly Nigerians, illustrating cultural diversity among migrants.

Friendships Formed

Nadia befriends Nigerian migrants, especially an elderly woman, while Saeed connects with individuals from his homeland, reflecting their differing coping mechanisms.

Injuries from Nativist Attacks

Both face physical harm due to assaults from nativist mobs, highlighting societal tensions and conflicts.

Relationship Changes in London

Their relationship deteriorates, characterized by fights stemming from Saeed’s increasing religious fervor and differing adaptation to their new environment.

Next Steps in London

Saeed and Nadia join a worker camp, akin to sharecropping, where survival hinges on labor for basic needs.

Next Location

They eventually move to Marin, California, near San Francisco.

Marin's Unique Environment

Marin is markedly different from London, characterized by a lack of natives and a population entirely made up of migrants.

Relationship in Marin

Despite growing apart, Saeed and Nadia remain loyal until mutually deciding to separate. They each find new partners after their split.

Nadia's Life Post-Split

Following their split, Nadia lives at her workplace and begins dating a cook after a meaningful conversation post-concert.

Saeed's Life Post-Split

Saeed seeks solace in the church and begins a relationship with the preacher's daughter, indicating his search for connection.

Conclusion of the Book

Fifty years later, Saeed and Nadia reunite at a café in their hometown, reminiscing about their journey. Saeed expresses a desire to take her stargazing in Chile, knowing it may never happen.

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Description

Explore the key concepts and characters from Mohsin Hamid's 'Exit West.' This flashcard quiz will help you learn about the author, main characters, and significant themes of the novel. Perfect for those studying literature or preparing for discussions.