A Comparative Study of Novels by Mohammad Sanajleh and Leila Sadeghi from the Perspective of Digital Literature (Based on the novels Shat, Frost, If she is Leila, then who am I? and Give me time to pass)

One of the most important emerging literary genres is the "digital realist novel," which uses digital data, information, and technological techniques to construct its narrative structure and content. This genre explores the transformations individuals undergo as they transition from the real world to the virtual world, reflecting on virtual digital reality and contemporary human issues. Mohammad Sanajla, in Arabic literature, and Leila Sadeghi, in Persian literature, have explored this new narrative form and produced works within this genre. This research aims to analyze the motivations of these authors in engaging with this emerging literary style and to identify the similarities and differences in their works. The most important findings of this research, employing a descriptive-analytical method and a comparative approach to examine the novels Shat and Frost by Sanajleh and If that is Leila, then who am I? and Make time for me to pass by Sadeghi, indicates that the mentioned novels are similar in terms of appearance (cover, title, and communication links). Also, they seem similar in terms of content (use of audio and visual elements), as well as in their depiction of the transition of humans from the real world to virtual worlds. However, the manner in which these elements are utilized differs among the novels. For example, Sanajleh used three types of images: moving images with sound, still images with sound, and still images without sound, whereas Leila Sadeghi used only the third type, that is still images without sound. 
Introduction:
Human thought today is witnessing a series of conclusions, including the end of history, the end of man (the writer), the end of metaphysics, the end of philosophy, and the end of ideology. As a new development, it also promises the emergence of a new stage in human history, referred to as the post-human era. In fact, today’s world is undergoing a profound transformation in technology and media, similar to the shift that occurred during the era of printing and writing, which led to the decline of oral culture. Consequently, the power and dominance of the printed book are also being challenged, and its end may be approaching. The information, digital, and communication revolution is the result of technological innovations. Contemporary literary discourse has also been shaped by this digital and technological wave. As a result of encountering the innovations of digital literature, the allure of globalization, the digitization of literary texts, and the transformation of the fundamental structures and elements of texts into technological media, literary discourse has distanced itself from the paper world and transitioned to the digital realm. This new situation has significantly contributed to the emergence of digital literature, literary genres such as digital stories, digital theater, and digital poetry.
Method:
The present study aims to explore the phenomenon of digital literature, particularly digital novels, as a new social development. It employs a descriptive-analytical approach and draws on comparative literature. Since both authors were pioneers of this literary genre and their works have attracted significant interest within their own societies, this study offers a fresh perspective on the subject.
Results and Discussion:
Digital literature, or electronic literature, is a relatively new field that has existed for less than two decades in the West. In the East, however, it has only emerged in the realm of fiction and narrative literature in recent years. The text in this literary genre relies on multimedia technology and computer use, particularly the Internet. Therefore, it utilizes information technology services and electronic software to construct both its external and internal frameworks.
The emergence of this literary genre can be traced back to a shift in intermediaries; specifically, after the Internet replaced paper as the primary medium. The Internet creates a small world and, according to McLuhan, a "global village". In fact, a digital text is like an embryo born in the womb of technology, nourished through digital tools and relationships. Therefore, literature will not truly be digital unless it offers the audience a space equal to or greater than that of the creator.
The technological aspect of this form of literature encompasses the collection of visual and audio elements, which gives it an unlimited potential. In fact, the use of the word "informational" in literature refers to the application of computers to collect, organize, analyze, categorize, and rewrite texts, thereby achieving a level of innovation in literary works. The text is thus set free from the constraints of a linear structure, becoming dynamic and fluid due to its infinite flexibility.
These diverse dimensions require various intermediaries and shared sensory modalities—auditory, visual, and tactile. Consequently, computer technology has introduced new tools for editing, communication, and research to both writers and readers, enabling them to convey their thoughts through sound, images, and moving visuals.
In Arab literature, the founder of digital literature is considered to be the Jordanian novelist and critic Mohammed Sanajlah. The digital novel Al-Raqmiyah is also known in Arabic as "al-Nasa al-Mutrabat" because its associated text, along with other interactive digital elements and language (HTML), plays a significant role in its creation.
Conclusion:
After analyzing several digital novels by Mohammad Sanajleh and Leila Sadeghi, this research reached the following key conclusions: The aforementioned authors have utilized various features derived from hypertext technology, which enable the linking of texts to one another. Therefore, the language of their digital novels does not rely solely on words; rather, words are part of a whole that includes images, sound, cinematic visuals, and movement. Movement is perhaps one of the most important elements because the other components depend on it, and without movement, they lack appeal and become dull.
Therefore, the structure of their digital novels evolves within the digital shaping triangle: image, music (sound), and word (writing). This approach compels the audience to engage all their senses to derive meaning. The digital novels of Mohammad Sanajleh and Leila Sadeghi represent a new type of narrative in both form and theme (content). The covers of Sanajleh and Sadeghi's digital novels serve as a showcases that attract the audience and readers. Since the cover of digital novels differs from that of classic hardcover novels, the graphic and visual elements—such as geometric shapes and a diverse range of colors—on the cover of digital novels signify their digital nature, creating a unique aesthetic appeal for the audience.