Exit West Study Guide Part 2

Questions and Answers

Who is the author?

Mohsin Hamid

When was it published?

2017

What genre is the book?

Novel, Political Fiction

What was historically significant about when the novel was published?

The novel was set in Lahore, Pakistan, mid-2010s, during a time of fighting. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of Political Fiction?

Political fiction uses narrative to provide commentary on political systems and theories. Signup and view all the answers

What is some biographical information about the author?

Hamid was born to a Punjabi and Kashmiri family and spent part of his childhood in the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What was Hamid's reason for writing Exit West?

He feared having to flee due to violence in cities like Kabul and Baghdad. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'We are all migrants through time' signify?

It reflects the continuous change in people's lives and environments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the passage about cities and young people attending classes?

It juxtaposes ordinary life with the impending chaos of conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'The end of the world can be cozy at times' imply?

It suggests that the decision to flee is not taken lightly and is fraught with difficulty. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'for when we migrate, we murder from our lives those we leave behind' mean?

It highlights the emotional impact of leaving loved ones during migration. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'The door did not reveal what was on the other side' represent?

It symbolizes the uncertainty faced by refugees during their journeys. Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of the story?

The story is set in an unknown city, Mykonos, Greece, London, England, Marin, California. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of cell phones as a symbol?

Cell phones represent connection and the turmoil of lost communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Nadia's robes as a symbol?

The robes represent safety for Nadia and alienation for Saeed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the magic doors as a symbol?

The doors symbolize freedom, hope, and the breakdown of borders. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Publication

Exit West is authored by Mohsin Hamid.
The novel was published in 2017.

Genre and Historical Context

The book falls under the genres of Novel and Political Fiction.
Set in mid-2010s Lahore, Pakistan, the narrative reflects the historical backdrop of violence and conflict in the region.
Hamid’s own fears of potential displacement influenced the story, portraying the harrowing realities of migration and strained relationships in times of crisis.

Characteristics of Political Fiction

Political fiction critiques political systems and communal struggles, often addressing real or imagined events.
It can illuminate societal issues, presenting alternate realities while engaging with existing political discourse.

Author's Background

Hamid's ancestry includes Punjabi and Kashmiri heritage; he spent part of his childhood in the U.S. due to his father's academic pursuits.
His life experiences in both Pakistan and the United States shape his perspectives and writings.

Motivation for Writing

Hamid's observations of cities affected by war, alongside his engagement with technology, inspired the creation of Exit West.
The juxtaposition of violent displacement and modern connectivity informs the thematic core of the novel.

Key Themes and Symbols

Migration represented through the lens of an elderly woman reflects on the transient nature of life and changes within a community.
The contrasting experience of normalcy amid impending catastrophe highlights the duality of human existence.
The portrayal of physical and emotional journeys emphasizes how both refugees and everyday individuals navigate change.

Significance of Doors

The magical doors symbolize the breakdown of geographical and social barriers, representing both hope and fear for migrants.
They serve as a narrative device for exploring the refugee experience, allowing focus on adaptation in unfamiliar places rather than the struggles of the journey itself.
The black doors represent the uncertainty of migration, echoing the unpredictable nature of refugees' fates.

Role of Technology

Cell phones symbolize connection and disconnection, illustrating the impact of technology on personal relationships amid displacement.
They provide a semblance of connection through communication but lack the depth of real-life interactions.

Symbolism of Nadia's Robe

Initially a source of safety for Nadia, her black robe becomes a point of contention within her relationship with Saeed, reflecting broader cultural tensions.
The robe's symbolism contrasts Nadia's desire for autonomy with Saeed's traditional values, centering on their diverging philosophies.

Significance of Migration and Borders

The narrative explores the nature of migration, questioning societal notions of belonging and national identity.
The doors challenge the constructs of nationality, prompting both hope for new beginnings and anxiety among those valuing border security.

Setting

The story unfolds across multiple locations, including cities such as Mykonos, London, and Marin, set within a near-future context relative to the novel’s 2017 publication.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Part 2 of 'Exit West' through these flashcards. This study guide focuses on the author, publication details, genre, and the historical context of the novel. Enhance your understanding of Mohsin Hamid's impactful work.