Part 1 (for reference)

Primary Source Quote: "The end of the old world and the beginning of the new, that's all this is." (Hamid, p. 83) This quote is spoken by Saeed's father as they discuss the growing violence and unrest in their city. Explanation: Through this quote, Hamid illustrates the inevitability of change and the cyclical nature of history. Saeed's father recognizes that their world is in the midst of a profound transformation, and that the old ways of living and thinking are no longer sustainable. This quote also highlights the role of migration as a response to change, as the characters are forced to leave their homes and seek out new opportunities in a rapidly shifting world.

Analytical Paragraph for the Secondary Quote: One of the central themes of Exit West is the complex relationship between identity and migration. As the characters move from place to place, they are forced to confront the ways in which their sense of self is shaped by their environment, history, and culture. This is reflected in the following quote from a review in The Guardian: "Hamids novel is a beautifully written account of people struggling to retain their identities as they flee towards an uncertain future." Through his portrayal of the characters' struggles to maintain a sense of self in the face of constant change and upheaval, Hamid highlights the ways in which migration can both challenge and reinforce identity. Ultimately, this theme underscores the importance of recognizing the diversity and complexity of migrant experiences, and the need for empathy and understanding in a world defined by movement and displacement.

Analytical Paragraph for the Tertiary Quote: Another theme explored in Exit West is the impact of social class on the experience of migration. As the characters move from one place to another, they encounter a range of different social and economic conditions that shape their opportunities and experiences. This theme is highlighted in the following quote from an article in The Atlantic: "In Hamids novel, social class is a key factor in determining ones ability to move, and the conditions under which one must migrate." Through his exploration of the ways in which social class intersects with migration, Hamid sheds light on the inequalities that underlie many migrant experiences. This theme also underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing the structural factors that shape the experience of migration, including poverty, inequality, and political instability. Ultimately, this perspective challenges simplistic and reductionist understandings of migration, and fosters a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of the complexities of human mobility.

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.