Part 1 (for reference)

Primary source quote:

"It seemed to Nadia that the farther they moved from the city's center, the more that fundamentalism was in evidence." (Hamid, p.50) In this quote, Hamid uses Nadia's observation to highlight the idea that fundamentalism is more prevalent in certain areas of the world than others. The quote suggests that as Nadia and Saeed move away from the center of the city, they encounter more conservative and fundamentalist beliefs. This observation is significant because it points to the fact that the experience of migration can be influenced by a range of factors, including the political and cultural landscape of the places being left behind and the places being migrated to.

Analytical paragraph for secondary source quote:

"Hamids book transcends realism with its depictions of magical doors that transport characters between countries, but it never loses sight of the all-too-real tragedies of conflict and displacement that shape the lives of millions" (The Washington Post).

This quote from The Washington Post highlights the role that magical realism plays in Exit West, but it also emphasizes the way in which the novel is grounded in the reality of conflict and displacement. By using magical doors to depict the experience of migration, Hamid is able to explore the psychological and emotional impact of this experience in a way that is both inventive and meaningful. At the same time, however, he never loses sight of the very real tragedies that give rise to migration, such as war, persecution, and economic hardship. The fact that Hamid is able to combine these two elements so seamlessly is a testament to his skill as a writer and the power of his storytelling. Ultimately, this quote highlights the way in which Hamid is able to use magical realism to shed light on the very real issues facing immigrants and refugees around the world.

In conclusion, Exit West by Mohsin Hamid is a novel that explores the complex and multifaceted issues surrounding migration and displacement. Through the characters of Nadia and Saeed, Hamid offers a nuanced and thoughtful exploration of what it means to be an immigrant or refugee. The novel asks important questions about identity, migration, and the nature of home, shedding light on the difficulties faced by those who are forced to leave their homes and navigate new and unfamiliar environments. Additionally, Hamid's use of magical realism allows him to explore the psychological and emotional impact of migration in a way that is both inventive and meaningful, without losing sight of the all-too-real tragedies that give rise to this experience. Overall, Exit West is a powerful and important novel that offers a deeply human portrayal of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees, and highlights the need for greater understanding and empathy in the face of these challenges.

Part 2) Each posting should consist of at least 1 primary source (Exit West) quote and 1 secondary source quote about Exit West or Hamid or one of the over-arching themes of the novel (Migration, Identity, Race, Social Class, Magical Realism, etc.) followed by at 1 explanatory paragraph for the primary and 1 analytical paragraph for the secondary quote.