First Impressions: Nadia and Saeed's meeting by Kate Scheel

Lok Lam FUNG (River) FUNLD2203

funld2203 — 2024-10-18 17:35:50 UTC

Nadia is straightforward and is a bit aloof which can be seen when she interrupts Saeed and says she doesn’t pray, whilst Saeed seems friendly and eager to socialise with Nadia. Saeed also seems well-mannered, respectful of other people’s religion and takes into consideration people’s personality when he reasons that nobody’s perfect and when he suggests coffee at the cafeteria because of Nadia’s conservative attire.

Anna and Sean (p 3-5 on 1st meeting of Exit West between Saeed and Nadia)

2024-10-18 17:36:30 UTC

Among the first 5 pages...

Nadia seems to be unusally independent from the custom and the rules. (especially on p.5 during her leave with Saeed and on her way to her ride, and her way of reply).

On the other hand, Saeed shows his traits less obiviously than Nadia, but he is not that obidient to the customs either it seems, given how he answered Nadia about his evening prayers, "not always, sadly." (p.4)

Ada and Sabrina

2024-10-18 17:39:42 UTC

Saeed and Nadia have contrasting personalities where Saeed seems more reserved and traditional but talkative, while Nadia seems to be more independent, open-minded and adventurous. Even though Saeed said he doesn't always pray at night, he is more religious than Nadia who doesn't pray at all (Nadia was wearing a black robe- which suggests that she could be religious, but she shocked Saeed when she said otherwise)

Initially, Saeed seems more outgoing and more intrigued in Nadia. Nadia on the other hand, acts quite passive and rejects Saeed's coffee offer.

Daniela (MERDD2303)

2024-10-18 17:40:59 UTC

Nadia: As a first impression, Nadia appears to be a very confident, revelrous and independent young woman. The way she directs herself to Saeed and her black robe show how she is a person that does not fit and that she even defies the standards of society.

Saeed: On the other hand, Saeed seems to be a traditional person who mostly sticks to his cultural roots. He seems to struggle between being able to do this and facing the reality of his country.

Derrick

2024-10-18 17:42:46 UTC

Saeed is described as a little awkward guy or shy, while Nadia looks more straightforward and serious person. It makes you feel that they are two sides of the same coin.

Caijun (SHICE2302 )

2024-10-18 17:42:54 UTC

Nadia is a character with an unconventional identity in her self-cognition

Like a 'silent character' /mysterious

The 100cc motorcycle

/the motor helmet/ no praying

(Unique in her overall culture background

Unfollowing the given societal identity

Saeed is like a young guy in his green age

Concerning on his impression in others' eyes

(Taking care of his beard/ care about others' thinking

Seems not so experienced in talking to girls

Concern more on conventions than Nadia

(Rationalizing his not praying('personal choice' 'nobody is perfect')

Mabel

2024-10-18 17:44:33 UTC

Their first meeting happens in a classroom, and Nadia stands out because she wears a black robe. This is unusual in Saeed’s environment, and Saeed is intrigued by Nadia from the start and wants to know her better. It also portrays Nadia as independent and confident in her dressing.

Brenda and Terrace

2024-10-18 17:45:40 UTC

Saeed : takes up to go out of his confort zone it seems, to talk to Nadia, and tiptoes around his intentions on asking Nadia out " in the cafeteria" -

NADIA is presented as direct and diverts expecteations or gender that are not directly imposed but are alluded to. May symbolise rebellion or individual

Alex

2024-10-18 17:47:33 UTC

Saeed is very considerate when it comes to other people. He considers his own tone where he might've came on a bit too strong for Nadia, looking out for others' religious views whilst conversing. I think a problem Saeed has is that he jumps to conclusions. Certain stereotypes being projected on others like how he doesn't expect Nadia to ride off on a motorcycle.

Nadia seems to be very straightforward when she speaks, saying the first thing that she has on her mind. When Saeed tries to invite her out, she flat out rejects him. There are several factors that showcase how Nadia doesn't fit into traditional stereotypes. Through her non-religious views and the motorcycle, the author tries to build a defying character.

Matthew, Angus, Issac

2024-10-18 17:48:20 UTC

Saeed is like a person who is attracted by the curiosity which after he noticed that Nadia had a beauty mark on her neck

he is quite caring other which he give her conservative attire

Nadia is like a cool girl and she has her own thought which she say she don't pray.

She is also contrast that she will ride on motor

Ernest and Suah

2024-10-18 17:50:43 UTC

In my opinion, Saeed and Nadia’s first conversation was very awkward. Saeed was like stuttering when he talked to Nadia as if he had never talked to a girl before. And Nadia was very straightforward, cold and independent. She interrupted Saeed as he talked and left.

I think Saeed is trying to make a good impression to Nadia and get to know her but Nadia seemed like she doesn’t really care what he say because she has her own solid sentient.