Brief biography of mohsin hamid was born in Pakistan, but he spent much of his
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| Two things are worth noting in this scene. First, Nadia and Saeed’s different ways of acclimating to new contexts are on full display as they each try to accustom themselves to life in the mansion of refugees. Open to change, Nadia is excited by the multicultural spirit of the house and the idea that people from different cultures can connect despite their differences. Saeed, on the other hand, has a harder time seeing himself as part of a group of people from other cultures, perhaps because his ties to his own community are still so strong. Second of all, the stressors of migration once again bring themselves to bear on Saeed and Nadia’s relationship, and the couple establishes an unfortunate new way of treating one another. One night, the mansion comes under attack by a nativist mob. Saeed and Nadia are just returning from having eaten out, and they each sustain minor injuries. Apparently, riots like this one ran throughout all of London, and the next day Saeed and Nadia wake up sore and bruised, shuffling against one another uncomfortably in their single bed—Nadia pushes Saeed with her hip to make space, and, in return, Saeed bumps her back. Annoyed, they turn to look at each other and Saeed touches Nadia’s swollen eye and they both start laughing, agreeing to not begin the morning with an argument. Although Saeed and Nadia’s current circumstances have created friction between them, their relationship still provides occasional relief from their stressful lives. This is evident when they turn to each other in bed, looking upon one another’s injured faces and remembering that they are in this experience together, that in many ways they only have one another to rely upon in these uncertain times. Rumors run rampant throughout the city that a massive plan is in the works to reclaim London for Englanders. Nadia and Saeed learn that the effort will be executed by both law enforcement officials and angry nativists, that a large-scale attack is on the horizon. These thoughts prompt the couple to consider their options, sitting in their bedroom at night debating whether or not they should stay in London. During these evenings, they feel closer to one another than they’ve been feeling in the recent weeks, deciding to treat each other more kindly from hereon. Even so, the British government patrols the zone from overhead, flying in drones and helicopters over people like Nadia and Saeed, who have run from war already, and do not know where next to run, and so [are] waiting, like so many others.” The painful process of migration certainly exacts its toll on Nadia and Saeed’s relationship, but it also brings them closer to one another. Building upon the emotional intimacy they display in bed the morning after the first riot, Hamid shows that the mounting unrest in London also brings Saeed and Nadia together as they sit in their room and commiserate with one another about their current circumstances. At a loss for what to do, they once more experience the vast uncertainty that inevitably comes with forced migration, this time turning to their relationship to provide solace and support. Get hundreds more LitCharts at www.litcharts.com ©2018 LitCharts LLC www.LitCharts.com Page 41 Despite various volunteer efforts and aid from sympathetic Londoners, Saeed and Nadia can’t help but recognize the pre- conflict feeling presiding over London. During this time, they see a fox in the courtyard, and an old woman tells them that this fox isn’t truly a fox, but rather Saeed and Nadia’s love. Well- intended as this comment is, it makes the couple uncomfortable because they have been struggling to remain romantic. They’ve even taken to going their separate ways during the day, though they know that if the nativist attack descends while they’re apart, they may never be able to find one another. Still, spending time separately somewhat enhances their relationship, and they sit on the balcony in the evenings, sometimes even holding hands or kissing. And every so often, they go into the bedroom and try to rekindle an “otherwise diminished fire by tormenting each other’s bodies, never having sex.” Download 0.56 Mb. Share with your friends:
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