This paper will examine how the trauma of refugees and essentially the trauma of migration is depicted in Mohsin Hamid’s 2017 novel “Exit West”. After laying the theoretical foundation of explaining the area of literary trauma theory, the role of migration in trauma studies as well as the notion of the Double Absence, the following analysis will examine the ways in which Hamid portrays the trauma of refugees in his novel and to what extent these ways line up with literary trauma theory.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Trauma Theory
2.1 The Trauma of Migration
2.2 The Double Absence
3. The Trauma of Migration in Exit West
3.1 Universal Story, Collective Trauma
3.2 Love and Trauma
3.3 The Double Absence in Exit West
3.4 Literary Devices
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines how the trauma of refugees and the experience of migration are depicted in Mohsin Hamid’s 2017 novel Exit West, analyzing the intersection between literary trauma theory and the characters' individual and collective suffering.
- Application of literary trauma theory to contemporary migration narratives.
- Analysis of the "Double Absence" as a psychological effect of the migration process.
- Exploration of individual coping mechanisms through the characters Nadia and Saeed.
- Examination of stylistic devices, such as symbolism and gaps, in representing collective trauma.
- Discussion of how humanizing the refugee experience challenges traditional perceptions of migration.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2 Love and Trauma
Mohsin Hamid having chosen a love story to serve as the storyline within the greater theme of migration can be attributed to the same motive of creating a universal story that appeals to many readers with different backgrounds. While the experience of migration is probably not something that everyone can relate to, love in its many different forms surely is – even in times of crisis. Relating to trauma, Nadia’s and Saeed’s relationship is important to examine. They both enter the relationship already burdened with their individual sources of trauma which then contribute to difficulties between the couple. Nadia’s traumatic experiences particularly stem from being a woman in a country where the patriarchal structures are apparently still much more dominant than in many western countries, which serves as a perfect first example. Since she does not live up to her society’s expectations of a woman – she lives on her own and is not married – she experiences a break with her family. ”The break involved hard words on all sides, […] Nadia and her family both considered her thereafter to be without a family” (Hamid 2017: 18). This shows that her feeling of displacement and non-belonging already established prior to her migration. Therefore, it does not seem too surprising that she is much more eager to leave the country than Saeed.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the rise of trauma theory in migration studies and introduces Mohsin Hamid’s Exit West as the primary text for analysis.
2. Trauma Theory: Discusses the foundational concepts of trauma established by Freud and Caruth, while introducing newer perspectives on literary trauma theory.
2.1 The Trauma of Migration: Explores the multifaceted nature of refugee trauma, differentiating between the pre-migration, transit, and post-migration phases.
2.2 The Double Absence: Introduces Abdelmalek Sayad’s sociological concept to analyze the dual experience of being an emigrant and an immigrant.
3. The Trauma of Migration in Exit West: Serves as the primary analytical section applying theoretical frameworks to the novel.
3.1 Universal Story, Collective Trauma: Discusses the author's choice of vague settings and focalization to humanize the collective refugee experience.
3.2 Love and Trauma: Analyzes the protagonists' relationship as a manifestation of individual coping mechanisms and divergent responses to relocation.
3.3 The Double Absence in Exit West: Analyzes the role of the pre-migration background and the "Double Absence" within the narrative structure of the novel.
3.4 Literary Devices: Examines stylistic choices like symbolism and gaps to represent trauma and challenge standard media depictions of refugees.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, affirming that Exit West provides a unique, nuanced perspective on collective and individual migratory trauma.
Keywords
Exit West, Mohsin Hamid, Trauma Theory, Migration, Refugee Experience, Double Absence, Literary Trauma, Collective Trauma, Coping Mechanisms, Displacement, Symbolism, Narrative Technique, Indirection, Humanization, Resettlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the depiction of refugee trauma in Mohsin Hamid’s Exit West through the lens of literary trauma theory.
What are the central themes discussed?
The core themes include collective trauma, the individuality of the migratory experience, the concept of the "Double Absence," and the stylistic representation of trauma in literature.
What is the main objective of the research?
The goal is to determine how Hamid’s portrayal of refugees lines up with literary trauma theory and how he humanizes the migrant experience for the reader.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author uses a qualitative literary analysis, drawing upon clinical trauma studies and sociological concepts like the "Double Absence" to interpret the text.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the universality of the narrative, the impact of trauma on the relationship of the protagonists, and the use of literary devices such as symbolism and gaps.
How would you characterize this work in keywords?
The work is defined by terms such as Exit West, migratory trauma, collective trauma, literary devices, and the immigrant experience.
How does the author analyze the love story between Nadia and Saeed?
The love story is analyzed as a vehicle for exploring their distinct individual coping mechanisms and how shared trauma can paradoxically lead to emotional distance.
What role do the "metaphorical doors" play in the novel?
The doors represent the absence of borders and function as symbols of hope, yet also serve to highlight the dystopian reality of migration and the international perception of the refugee crisis.
Does the paper consider the pre-migration experience as important?
Yes, the paper explicitly highlights that the pre-migration phase is a crucial source of trauma and is essential for understanding the protagonists' psychological development.
- Quote paper
- Katharina Spreier (Author), 2020, The Trauma of Migration in the Novel "Exit West" by Mohsin Hamid, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1172378
