DefinePK

Research Objective

To explore the application of magic realism and supernaturalism in Naguib Mahfouz's selected short stories from Arabian Nights and Days, examining how these elements are used to address socio-political challenges and delve into existential and moral questions.

Methodology

Qualitative study utilizing textual analysis, thematic analysis, and contextual research on three selected short stories from Naguib Mahfouz's Arabian Days and Nights. This involved close reading to identify supernatural elements and narrative techniques, thematic analysis for recurring themes, and contextual research on the historical and cultural backdrop.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Textual Analysis of Selected Stories"] --> B["Thematic Analysis of Recurring Themes"];
    A --> C["Contextual Research: Historical & Cultural Backdrop"];
    B --> D["Identification of Supernatural Elements and Narrative Techniques"];
    C --> D;
    D --> E["Interpretation of Socio-Political and Moral Commentary"];
    E --> F["Conclusion on Mahfouz's Use of Magic Realism and Supernaturalism"];                    

Discussion

Mahfouz's use of magic realism and supernaturalism in "Arabian Days and Nights" serves as a deliberate narrative strategy to explore socio-political complexities, human nature, and moral ambiguities. The supernatural elements are not merely decorative but are deeply symbolic, drawing from Islamic mysticism and folklore to critique authority, corruption, and societal injustices, while also reflecting internal psychological struggles.

Key Findings

Naguib Mahfouz skillfully integrates fantastical elements with ordinary realities to address socio-political challenges and existential/moral questions. Supernatural entities function as allegorical tools to critique power structures, corruption, and moral dilemmas. These elements reflect psychological conflicts and engage with broader cultural and political issues.

Conclusion

Naguib Mahfouz's "Arabian Days and Nights" effectively uses magic realism and supernaturalism to create narratives that explore profound philosophical, psychological, and socio-political issues. This approach allows for a nuanced critique of society and a deeper understanding of the human condition, making the supernatural a means to uncover hidden layers of the psyche and sociopolitical dynamics.

Fact Check

- Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arab writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1988. (Confirmed by text)
- Franz Roh first introduced the term "magic realism" in 1925. (Confirmed by text)
- The study focuses on three selected short stories: "the angel of death," "the slave and the sorcerer," and "The Revenge of the Ifrit." (Confirmed by text)

Mind Map