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ZENODO
Part of book or chapter of book . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Part of book or chapter of book . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Part of book or chapter of book . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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THE WEIGHT OF MANY – RUPTURED CONTINUITIES: REPRESENTATION OF COLLECTIVE TRAUMA AND HEALING IN THE CONTEXT OF WAR AND DISPLACEMENT THROUGH THE NOVEL EXIT WEST BY MOHSIN HAMID

Authors: U. Sivasakthi; S. Akshaya;

THE WEIGHT OF MANY – RUPTURED CONTINUITIES: REPRESENTATION OF COLLECTIVE TRAUMA AND HEALING IN THE CONTEXT OF WAR AND DISPLACEMENT THROUGH THE NOVEL EXIT WEST BY MOHSIN HAMID

Abstract

This article explores the complex portrayal of collective trauma and healing in Mohsin Hamid’s novel, Exit West. It examines how the narrative surpasses traditional depictions of trauma by presenting war and displacement as collective crises rather than merely individual tragedies. The novel’s use of Magical Realism, represented by the physical doorways through which refugees pass, acts as a metaphor for catastrophic upheavals in both individual and community history. Ultimately, this paper argues that healing is a process rooted in understanding, connection, and the formation of new sets, rather than a solitary effort, as people navigate their losses and seek a sense of belonging. It also concludes that trauma can catalyse transformation and unity, as well as a force of disintegration. Exit West challenges readers to reevaluate the boundaries between individual and communal history in an increasingly interconnected world by juxtaposing personal sorrow with group resilience. The study employs qualitative analysis, with the novel Exit West as the primary source and related texts and research as secondary sources.

Keywords

Healing, War, Displacement, Trauma

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    popularity
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    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green