AI AND THE SYMBOLIC PORTRAYAL OF MAGICAL DOORS: AN EXPLORATION OF TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSITION IN MOHSIN HAMID’S NOVEL ‘EXIT WEST’

Abstract

The use of technology and symbolism in the era of contemporary literature has given rise to unique possibilities for narrative writing. ‘Exist West’ by Mohsin Hamid is one of the captivating example of this technique i.e. portraying the use of magical doors in the novel as a symbol of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This amalgamation into the storyline transcends the mundane and let the readers enter into the world of today’s digital era. The purpose of this research paper is to delve deep into the thematic landscape of ‘Exist West’ revealing the fundamental relevance of AI and the symbolism embedded in the magical doors by Mohsin Hamid. Symbolically, the use of magical doors offer an enriched narrative not only as physical gateways that leads to different locations around the globe and symbols for transition but also the role of AI associated with these magical doors. These doors also represent the essence of migration as a symbol of optimism, uncertainty and personal development. This paper goes beyond the cultural and literary framework of Mohsin Hamid’s novel ‘Exist West’ by analysing the symbolism used and the AI aspects to current world challenges.