Unveiling the Migrant Psyche in Mohsin Hamid’s Exit West: A Lacanian Analysis

Mohsin Hamid's Exit West, a novel exploring themes of migration and displacement, offers fertile ground for a Lacanian analysis. This paper examines the characters' journeys through the lens of the Real, the Symbolic, and the Imaginary. The constant movement of characters like Nadia and Saeed is interpreted as a search for the elusive Real, a realm of pure desire that can never be fully attained. The magical doors symbolize attempts to bridge the gap between the established Symbolic order, defined by language and social structures, and this pre-symbolic realm. However, the characters remain perpetually on the move, forever chasing an idealistic vision. The breakdown of traditional borders throws the Symbolic order into disarray. Passports lose their meaning, and national identities become increasingly fluid. The characters grapple with this loss and attempt to forge new connections and meanings in a world defined by impermanence. Furthermore, the media's portrayal of idyllic destinations shapes the characters' desires through the Imaginary, the realm of fantasy and self-image. However, the harsh realities of their experiences often fall short of these fantastical projections, highlighting the limitations of the Imaginary. Finally, the concept of the Gaze adds another layer of complexity. The characters navigate unfamiliar social landscapes, constantly under the scrutiny of the "Other." They seek recognition for validation and belonging, while simultaneously confronting the oppressive gaze of power structures. This constant negotiation shapes their sense of self, leading to a more fluid and adaptable identity. By applying a Lacanian framework, this paper demonstrates how Exit West transcends a simple migration narrative. It becomes a profound exploration of the human condition, our yearning for connection and meaning in a world defined by impermanence and the constant negotiation of desire, identity, and the Gaze of the "Other."

Unveiling the Migrant Psyche in Mohsin Hamid’s Exit West: A Lacanian Analysis Keywords:

Lacanian psychoanalysis , migration , displacement , Symbolic , Imaginary , desire , Gaze