A Journey from Rootedness to Rootlessness in Mohsin Hamid's Exit West

Abstract

This research work takes MohsinHamid's Exit Westto study hybridity, rootlessness, dislocation and identity crisis brought about by 'global economic flows'. It explores how the characters Saeed and Nadia become 'ethnoscapists' in Appadurai's terms as they move from one country to another. Their wanderings and movements place them in different uncertain cultural locations where they feel rootlessness, dislocation and problem of identity.Their identity becomes a kind of hybridized identity as Saeed marries the daughter of local preacher in California. His constant focus on his prayer reflects his search for his root and identity there. On the other hand, Nadia pursues her independent career with the adoption of local values and cultures. Most importantly, Saeed and Nadia are placed in the situation of "in-betweenness or third space" in the borderless global world. Key Words: Diaspora, ethnoscapes, rootlessness, in-betweenness, dislocation and hybridity.