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Exit West Stereotypes

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In Mohsin Hamid’s, Exit West, there are endless happenings of subverting and/or opposing the generalization of stereotypes. We see this as early as the first page in the novel when we are introduced to the main characters: Nadia and Saeed. As these individuals come from the same culture and area in the Middle East, they both are established people in their own unprecedented ways. Nadia and Saeed were both brought up in the Islamic culture, only taught to follow that and never to stray away from the usual. Although, as we learn more about each character, we discover that the stereotypical norm that much of society believes in is completely changed in this novel. Each character has their own way of expressing who they are whether it be practicing …show more content…

Because Nadia is such a strong figure, it is as if Saeed is afraid of her. It is odd to see that such different characters would end up together like these two did. Their opposing views and beliefs cause various discrepancies in their relationship as the novel develops. Although, they both find that they need each other, especially with the way and area they are living. As they make their way through the doors and into new places they become closer, yet completely separated. There is never a time they agree on something, unless they are high enough to forget about what each other thinks. Towards the end of the novel when Saeed and Nadia are still in London, Saeed meets a group of people who is of their kind. He visited often and met a bearded man who lived there, for a harrowing moment reminding him of his father, (152) and welcomed him into the home.Saeed was able to pray with these people, something he felt comfort in, for it felt like home. For once since he had left his old home, he felt safe. The bearded man told Saeed that Nadia and himself could come stay in this house with all of the others of their culture. The only problem was that Saeed and Nadia would have to be separated from each other instead of sleeping in the same room as one another. Hopeful and full of elation Saeed went back home to tell Nadia the news. When Saeed began to tell Nadia about the possible living arrangement, she instantly becomes angry about the decision that Saeed desired to go through with. She questions Saeed asking why they would ever live with people of their kind again, along with explain to him that they left their home for a reason. Nadia explains in a concerned tone about their living situation:
“Here we have our own room. Just the two of us. It’s a big luxury. Why would we give that up to sleep apart? Among dozens of strangers?”

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