In spite the originality and the highly rhetorical features of Arabic language; Arabic novel lacks the originality and particularity of Arabic-Eastern soul. Arabic poetry was a part and parcel of the originality of Arabic language; however, Arabic novel came too late as it appeared as a reaction to the Arabic interacts with Western culture through colonialism, missions, and Western cultural impact. That is why, the present article aims at defining the major differences between Modern Arabic novel that appeared at the beginning of the 20th century and the Contemporary Arabic novel that appeared at the beginning of the 21st century. The main aim of this article is to assert that the contemporary Arabic novel of nowadays is not the Modern Arabic novel of Naguib Mahfouz, Heikal, and Tawfiq al-Hakim.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- The main differences between Modern Arabic Novel and Contemporary Arabic Novel
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This article aims to differentiate between Modern Arabic novels (early 20th century) and Contemporary Arabic novels (early 21st century), arguing that they represent distinct literary movements. The article analyzes the impact of Western influence on Arabic literature and examines how contemporary works diverge from the established modern Arabic novel tradition.
- Defining the characteristics of Modern Arabic Novels
- Identifying the distinguishing features of Contemporary Arabic Novels
- Analyzing the influence of Western culture on Arabic literature
- Exploring the role of the "Egyptian Pocket Novels" series
- Examining the thematic and stylistic differences between the two periods
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Abstract: This abstract introduces the article's central argument: that contemporary Arabic novels differ significantly from their modern predecessors. It highlights the lack of originality in the early Arabic novel, attributing this to the influence of Western culture. The article aims to establish the unique characteristics of contemporary Arabic novels, distinguishing them from the works of authors like Naguib Mahfouz.
Introduction: This introductory section clarifies the common misconception that modern and contemporary Arabic novels are identical. It establishes that modern novels, while influenced by Western culture, retain an Arabic-Oriental flavor, citing Heikal's *Zainab* (1913) as a seminal work. The introduction highlights the diversity within the Arab world and how this impacted the development of the Arabic novel, encompassing diverse perspectives ranging from urban settings to rural landscapes and examining the portrayal of individual experiences against the backdrop of national identity.
The main differences between Modern Arabic Novel and Contemporary Arabic Novel: This section delves into the significant shift in Arabic literature due to increased Western cultural contact in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It discusses the adoption of Western literary forms and the role of the Arab Renaissance ("Nahda") in shaping modern Arabic literature. The section introduces the concept of the "New Arabic Novel" as a distinct form separate from the modern Arabic novel, highlighting the impact of events like the American invasion of Iraq and the Arab Spring on the development of contemporary Arabic novels. It also introduces the “Egyptian Pocket Novels” series, questioning whether they represent modern or contemporary Arabic literature and emphasizing their unique characteristics and literary merit.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Modern Arabic Novel, Contemporary Arabic Novel, New Arabic Novel, Arabic literature, Western influence, Egyptian Pocket Novels, Arab Renaissance, National identity, Literary Criticism
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Study of Modern and Contemporary Arabic Novels
What is the main focus of this article?
This article aims to differentiate between Modern Arabic novels (early 20th century) and Contemporary Arabic novels (early 21st century), arguing that they represent distinct literary movements. It analyzes the impact of Western influence on Arabic literature and examines how contemporary works diverge from the established modern Arabic novel tradition.
What are the key themes explored in the article?
The key themes include defining the characteristics of Modern Arabic Novels, identifying the distinguishing features of Contemporary Arabic Novels, analyzing the influence of Western culture on Arabic literature, exploring the role of the "Egyptian Pocket Novels" series, and examining the thematic and stylistic differences between the two periods.
How does the article define Modern Arabic Novels?
The article describes Modern Arabic Novels (early 20th century) as works influenced by Western culture but still retaining an Arabic-Oriental flavor. It cites Heikal's *Zainab* (1913) as an example, highlighting the diversity within the Arab world and its impact on the portrayal of individual experiences against the backdrop of national identity.
How does the article define Contemporary Arabic Novels?
Contemporary Arabic Novels (early 21st century) are presented as distinct from their modern predecessors, showcasing a significant shift due to increased Western cultural contact. The article introduces the concept of the "New Arabic Novel," highlighting the impact of events like the American invasion of Iraq and the Arab Spring on their development. The unique characteristics and literary merit of the “Egyptian Pocket Novels” series are also examined within this context.
What is the significance of Western influence on Arabic literature?
The article emphasizes the significant impact of Western cultural contact, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, on the adoption of Western literary forms and the shaping of both modern and contemporary Arabic literature. It explores how this influence manifests differently in the two periods.
What is the role of the "Egyptian Pocket Novels" series?
The article explores the "Egyptian Pocket Novels" series, questioning whether they represent modern or contemporary Arabic literature and emphasizing their unique characteristics and literary merit within the broader context of the evolution of the Arabic novel.
What are the main differences between Modern and Contemporary Arabic Novels?
The main differences highlighted involve a shift in literary styles, themes, and responses to historical events. While Modern Arabic novels show a blend of Western and Arabic influences, Contemporary Arabic novels often exhibit a more distinct departure from traditional forms, reflecting the impact of significant political and social changes in the Arab world.
What is the article's conclusion regarding the relationship between Modern and Contemporary Arabic Novels?
The article concludes that Contemporary Arabic novels differ significantly from their Modern predecessors, demonstrating a unique evolution shaped by both internal and external factors, including increased Western cultural exchange and significant socio-political events.
What keywords are associated with this article?
Modern Arabic Novel, Contemporary Arabic Novel, New Arabic Novel, Arabic literature, Western influence, Egyptian Pocket Novels, Arab Renaissance, National identity, Literary Criticism.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Mahmoud Sokar (Author), 2023, Contemporary Arabic Novel. Features and Principles, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1435141
