Analyzing time-idea of the desire for immortality in the narrative discourse of "sleeping in the cherry field" Relying on Gerard Genette's theory

Document Type : research article

Author

• Razieh Nazari

Assistant Professor in Arabic Language and Literature Meybod University, Meybod Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/jallv15.i2.2306-1282

Abstract

The time of narrative discourse is multidimensional and abnormal, creating scattered images to highlight the fictional concept. An idea refers to a dominant belief that results from repeating an image. The novel "Sleeping in the Cherry Field" by Iraqi writer Azhar Jerjis, nominated for the Arabic Booker Prize in 2020, is an example of exile literary works. Its motif is the concept of the lack of individual identity in the shadow of homeland security, rooted in the idea of "desire for immortality". This current research is a qualitative and descriptive-analytical study based on library sources. It aims to discover the basis of the formation of the idea in "Sleeping in the Cherry Field", explain the relationship between time and personality traits, and determine the emotions emanating from the idea of immortality based on Gerard Genette's theory of narrative discourse in three themes: order, duration, and frequency. The application of this theory is necessary to prove the idea of narration as it highlights characteristics of the hero's character and emotions. The findings reveal that narrative structure as a labyrinth and fluid flow of mind create anachronisms in narrative discourse order. Its duration is based on dialogue, summarization, omission, and descriptive pause, while types of frequency including single, repeated, and repeating stories are used to highlight "desire for immortality". One result is a contrast between present and past as a basis for immortality. The protagonist's isolation in time creates emotions such as fear, hope, confusion, and disappointment.

Keywords

• Time
• Narrative discourse idea of the desire for immortality
• Azhar Jarjis
• Sleeping in the Cherry Field

Main Subjects

• Literary Criticism

References

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