The Trauma of Migration in the Novel "Exit West" by Mohsin Hamid

Term Paper (Advanced seminar) , 2020 , 18 Pages , Grade: 1,7

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

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.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Trauma Theory
  • The Trauma of Migration
  • The Double Absence
• The Trauma of Migration in Exit West
  • Universal Story, Collective Trauma
  • Love and Trauma
  • The Double Absence in Exit West
  • Literary Devices
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper examines the portrayal of the trauma of refugees and the trauma of migration in Mohsin Hamid’s 2017 novel Exit West. The analysis will focus on how the novel depicts the experiences of refugees, exploring the extent to which these depictions align with existing literary trauma theory. The analysis will also delve into the complex relationship between love and trauma in the context of migration.

• The Trauma of Migration
• The Double Absence
• Literary Trauma Theory
• Love and Trauma in Migration
• The Portrayal of Refugees in Exit West

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The paper begins by introducing the concept of trauma and its increasing relevance in contemporary society. It then delves into the history of trauma theory, particularly focusing on the work of Sigmund Freud and Cathy Caruth. The paper explores the specific challenges of understanding trauma in the context of migration, noting the highly individualized nature of refugee experiences.

The analysis then focuses on Exit West, exploring the novel's portrayal of the trauma of migration through the lens of literary trauma theory. It discusses how the novel depicts the “double absence” experienced by refugees, examining the ways in which this theme intersects with love and trauma. The paper also analyzes the literary devices employed by Hamid to convey the emotional complexities of the refugee experience.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of the text include trauma theory, migration, refugees, literary trauma theory, the double absence, love and trauma, Exit West, Mohsin Hamid, and literary devices.

• College: University of Cologne
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Katharina Spreier (Author)
• Publication Year: 2020
• Pages: 18
• Catalog Number: V1172378
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346590671
• ISBN (Book): 9783346590688
• Language: English
• Product Safety: GRIN Publishing GmbH