An Analytical Reading of Time Return in Sinan Antwan's Al-Fahres through the Lens of Gérard Genette's Narrative Time Theory

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Sanaz Toghi ¹

Amir Hossein Rasoulnia ²

Ali Najafi Ivaki ³

¹ PhD Candidate of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Foreign Languages, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran

² Associate Professor of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Foreign Languages, University of kashan, Kashan, Iran

³ Associate Professor of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Foreign Languages,University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/jall.2024.87536.1405

Abstract

This research offers an analytical reading of the ‘time return’ technique in Sinan Antwan’s novel, Al-Fehres, employing Gérard Genette's theory of narrative time. Time is posited as a foundational element of narrative, with the depiction of events typically forming a chronological chain. However, deviations from this linear progression, such as the temporal entanglement prevalent in Antovan's work, disrupt the narrative timeline and challenge conventional storytelling. Antwan is recognized among contemporary Arab novelists for his innovative approach to narrative disruption, which has garnered significant attention from narratologists.The study adopts a descriptive-analytical method, utilizing Genette’s comprehensive theory of narrative time to analyze the application of time return in Al-Fehres. It further investigates the factors contributing to the temporal displacements within the novel. The findings reveal that internal time return is the dominant feature of the novel’s temporal representation, manifesting as a movement through heterogeneous times—encompassing emotions such as sadness, fear, anxiety, and pleasure. This technique breaks the linear flow of time and, through its discontinuous and often chaotic presentation, prompts the reader to actively engage in deciphering the connections between themes and uncovering the narrative's underlying structure.
 
 
 

Keywords

Gérard Genette

Historical Return

Contemporary Arabic Narrative

Sinan Antwan

Al-Fahres

Subjects

• Criticism schools

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