An Existentialist Analysis of the Concept of Freedom in the Novels The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway and When We Left the Bridge by Abd al-Rahman Munif

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor of Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.

3 Ph.D. student in Arabic Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Azarbajan, Iran

Abstract

The concept of freedom, one of the most complex and expansive philosophical ideas, has long been a central focus for many scholars. Existentialist philosophy, with its emphasis on the existential and ontological dimensions of human existence, provides a unique perspective on freedom. In this philosophy, human beings, as free agents, are responsible for shaping their own lives and determining their destinies. Existentialists believe that, unlike many other beings, humans do not possess a predetermined essence; instead, they create their essence through the free choices they make throughout their lives. This research employs a descriptive-analytical method to examine the main characteristics of freedom in existentialist philosophy and its manifestation in two famous novels: The Old Man and the Sea and When We Left the Bridge. The main characters in these two novels, when faced with challenging situations and difficult decisions, are compelled to accept responsibility for their choices. This study aims to demonstrate how these characters, relying on their existential freedom, struggle against life's limitations and challenges, ultimately arriving at a profound understanding of existence. Both novels illustrate that confronting freedom and responsibility shapes the path of self-creation and the search for meaning. Santiago’s courageous acceptance of his choices leads to honor and purpose, whereas Zaki Nawi’s evasion of this existential burden impedes his authenticity and self-creation. This comparison underscores the universality of fundamental human experiences—such as freedom and the quest for meaning—across diverse cultures. 

Keywords

Main Subjects

Article Title [العربیة]

التحلیل الوجودی لمفهوم الحریة فی روایتی الشیخ والبحر لارنست همنغوای وحین ترکنا الجسر لعبدالرحمن منیف

Abstract [العربیة]

یعد مفهوم الحریة من اکثر المفاهیم الفلسفیة تعقیدا واتساعا وقد ظل محط أنظار الفلاسفة علی مر العصور. تقدم الفلسفة الوجودیة التی تهتم بوجود الإنسان، رؤیة فریدة لمفهوم الحریة. فی هذه الفلسفة، یری الإنسان کائنا حرا مسؤولا عن بناء حیاته واختیار مصیره. یری الوجودیون أن الإنسان بخلاف الکائنات الأخری، لیس مقیدا بطبیعة مسبقة، بل یشکل هویته الخاصة من خلال الخیارات التی یتخذها بحریة طوال حیاته. یعتمد هذا البحث علی المنهج الوصفی- التحلیلی لدراسة أبعاد الحریة فی الفلسفة الوجودیة وتأمل تجسیدها فی روایتی الشیخ والبحر وحین ترکنا الجسر. أبطال هاتین الروایتین یواجهون تحدیات صعبة ویتخذون قرارات مصیریة، یجدون أنفسهم أمام ضرورة تحمل مسؤولیة اختیاراتهم. تهدف هذه الدراسة إلی إبراز کیفیة نضال هؤلاء الأبطال مستندین إلی حریتهم الوجودیة، ضد قیود الحیاة و تحدیاتها، ووصولهم فی النهایة إلی فهم أعمق لمعنی الوجود. تُظهر هاتان الروایتان أن مواجهة الحریة والمسؤولیة تُشکّل مسار بناء الذات وإیجاد المعنى. فقبول سانتیاغو الشجاع لخیاراته یؤدی إلى الکرامة والمعنى، بینما تهرّب زکی نداوی من هذا العبء الوجودی یحرمه من الأصالة وبناء الذات. تؤکد هذه المقارنة عالمیة التجارب الإنسانیة الأساسیة، مثل الحریة والبحث عن المعنى، فی مختلف الثقافات.

Keywords [العربیة]

  • الوجودیة
  • الحریة
  • الشیخ والبحر
  • حین ترکنا الجسر
  • ارنست همنغوای
  • عبدالرحمن منیف

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Research in Comparative Literature
Volume 15, Issue 4 - Serial Number 60
December 2025
Pages 123-149

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History

  • Receive Date: 02 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 22 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 September 2025

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