Symbols and motifs

Symbols

Sajid’s parka

Sajid’s parka is an important symbol in the film East is East directed by Damien O'Donnell. He wears this piece of clothing all the time, whether he is inside or outside, and even though the weather is hot. We see Ella tell him once to take it off, but Sajid still keeps it on. Even Sajid’s family photograph which is displayed on the wall, he is seen to be wearing it. He also seems to wear it when he sleeps.

The parka symbolizes Sajid’s own identity, which he feels is not that which George forces him to assume, but one which is closer to that of the country he is living in, since the parka repr...