Exit West: Themes and Character Study

Study Notes

Exit West: Study Notes

Themes of Borders and Identity:
- Hamid argues borders are artificial constructs, critiquing the idea of separating people.
- Wealthy countries are complicit in creating refugee crises, according to Hamid's perspective.
- Borders are a fiction; doors should be open to those in need.
- The novel criticizes social media for creating echo chambers, dividing people by ideology.
Windows and Social Networking:
- Windows represent limited, narrow views of the world.
- Social media dehumanizes differences, fostering a mentality of "us vs. them".
- The novel highlights the negative impact of technology on fostering division.
Character Development and Relationships:
- Nadia and Saeed represent diverse backgrounds and ideologies (traditional religious vs. liberal).
- Nadia's attire, a black robe, expresses her desire to protect herself from misogyny in her culture, facing hardship within her community.
- Saeed shows a growing religiosity, but doesn't blame religion itself for fundamentalism.
- Their love story embodies challenges in bridging cultural divides.
Language and Symbolism:
- The novel uses imagery (e.g., swollen city, lanterns as plastic) to critique societal ills, such as global capitalism and dehumanization of differences
- The novel uses metaphors—such as the plastic lanterns—to show how global capitalism constructs division.
- Saeed's growing piety is signified by his beard style—a sign of devotion.
- Nadia's desire for freedom is juxtaposed to the constraints of her background.
Political Context:
- The novel references Trump's presidency, specifically his anti-immigrant policies, and the demonization of refugees.
- Trump's administration used divisive rhetoric towards people seeking refuge.
- The novel criticizes the negative global effect of imperialistic aggression and dominance by the powerful through language and symbolic imagery.
Social Commentary:
- The novel explores the concept of "liberal cities," the idea that their existence is ultimately unsustainable and exploitative
- It examines the human cost of conflict and displacement.
- It highlights instances of exploitation and predatory behavior
- The text emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy in the face of global crises.
Metaphorical Interpretations:
- Drugs (e.g., mushrooms) are metaphors representing a path towards finding compassion and understanding different perspectives.
- Music suppression and the conflict between open-mindedness and fundamentalist thought are metaphors for oppression of different voices.
- Helicopters, as images of warfare, symbolize potential threats faced by refugees
Vignettes and Empathy:
- The vignettes are meant to cultivate empathy for refugees, frequently victims of crime, trafficking, and danger.
- The novel uses various symbolic means to showcase that empathy is a critical emotional skill for navigating diverse communities.

Description

Explore the intricate themes of identity, borders, and the impact of social media in Mohsin Hamid's 'Exit West'. This study note delves into character development, emphasizing the relationships between Nadia and Saeed while highlighting the broader societal implications presented in the narrative.