A Comparative Study of Gholam-Hossein Saedi's Beggar and Najib Mahfouz's Beggar, (Alshahath) according to Hegel's Dialectic

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. student in Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Urmia, Urmia, Iran.

2 Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Urmia, Urmia, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction:
It is evident that Hegelian dialectics has is based basis principles of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. Hegel Has Explained has elaborated on these three principles in detail in his work. entity (thesis) has summarily an a corresponding and by the through of these both, a result is created. produced.
Two prominent fiction writers from Iran and Egypt, Hossein Saedi and Najib Mahfouz, address significant in the contact their respective works titled both conducts descriptive-analytical way based on investigation of both authors, utilizing its three axes. The beggar axes as a framework. Saedi's the narrated of view perspective woman who elderly the who, of her husband, none of her finds herself unwelcome in her children's homes turns is compelled to resort and acting.
Al-Shahath is a significant narrative from the third decade of Najib Mahfouz's life, illustrating a portion of the life of the protagonist, Omar Hamzawi, who represents the intellectuals of Egyptian society. Respect for family and elders is a traditional value in Eastern cultures, where older individuals are afforded special honor and respect, and many issues are resolved through their guidance. By emphasizing this principle, Mahfouz delves into the underlying layers of his text to depict the disrespect and insults directed at an elderly mother by her children. This portrayal not only highlights the problem but also underscores the societal pain of his time, inviting reflection on the broader implications.
The contrast between the bustling city and the tranquility of the village is one of the manifestations of modernity in Najib Mahfouz's The city continually seeks to attract immigrants to satisfy its insatiable economic demands through the influx of capital. Consequently, urban congestion becomes a defining characteristic of modern society, contributing to the exacerbation of materialism. Another prevalent theme in the two stories discussed is absurdity.
Absurdity does not exist in the life of the old lady (khanom bozorg) with the same clarity and directness found in Najib's story. Additionally, the intense fear and anxiety experienced by Saedi's protagonist are not present in this narrative.
Examining these two characters can assist the researcher in analyzing this matter. Omar Hamzawi is an intellectual with philosophical inclinations, and the concept of life is one of the primary concerns for thinkers like him. However, Omar struggles to grasp this complex idea. In contrast, the character of Khanom Bozorg lacks the knowledge and cultural background necessary to seek the meaning of life, ultimately arriving at a nihilistic conclusion. In her view, the meaning of life is reduced to fulfilling basic instincts and needs, which are satisfied in various ways despite the accompanying challenges.
Method:
This research has been conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach, and its findings indicate that the central theme in these two novels is its antithesis is on this framework, various confrontations and conflicts have emerged, such as the clash between urban and rural life, the tension between science and art, and the balance between familial responsibilities and individual freedom.
Results and Discussion:
The studies conducted in relation to the aforementioned stories reveal that the synthesis of these narratives highlights a conflict and antagonism faced by the main characters, Khanom Bozorg and Omar Hamzawi, in modern society. As a result, these characters experience feelings of loneliness, despair, anxiety, and confusion. The reader observes the disintegration of family foundations and numerous issues, including a disregard for societal values. The protagonists in both of peace and comfort within modern society, which, unfortunately, remains elusive.
Conclusion:
The statistical data obtained from the research in these two stories indicate that the traditions and societal issues related to family dynamics are significant. The focus on the village as a safe haven, the portrayal of villagers as naive and simple individuals, and the emphasis on their religious beliefs are prominent themes in both Egyptian and Iranian societies. Central to these narratives is the collapse of societal values, the disintegration of the family unit, and the proliferation of corruption and disorder within these institutions, which serve as contrasting points of view.
It is through modernity, and by examining Hegel's dialectic alongside a historical analysis of society, that this tradition cultivates a seed of modernity within itself, leading to a historical conflict. As a result, Saedi effectively portrays Iran's traditional society through the character of the grandmother, highlighting its struggles. Similarly, Najib Mahfouz illustrates Hamzawi's confusion, moral dilemmas, and illness as manifestations of the conflict between tradition and modernity. This emphasizes the concept of dialectical synthesis. 

Keywords

Main Subjects

Article Title [العربیة]

دراسة مقارنة بین روایتی الشحاذ لغلامحسین ساعدی و نجیب محفوظ بناء على جدلیة هیغل

Abstract [العربیة]

تناول کاتبا الروایة الإیرانیة و المصریة، غلامحسین ساعدی و نجیب محفوظ، فی عملیهما اللذین یحملان اسمهما "الشّحاذ"، قضایا اجتماعیة مهمة فی لقاء المجتمع لظاهرة الحداثة. تحلل الدراسة الحالیة، بالاعتماد على دیالکتیک هیغل، هذین العملین بشکل مقارن، و تحلل تبعات هذا الصراع فی مجتمعی إیران و مصر بناء على أطروحة التقالید، نقیض الحداثة، و المؤسسة المشترکة (التولیف). و تشیر نتائج البحث إلى أن التقلید فی قصة "الشّحاذ" للساعدی یتجلى من خلال احترام الأسرة، و التمسک بالقیم الریفیة، و المعتقدات الدینیة، و تشکل الحداثة ما یعادلها بانهیار مرکز الأسرة، و انتشار الفساد الأخلاقی، و تجاهل الدین. فی "الشّحاذ"، یتجلى التقلید فی الولاء الأسری، و الحنین إلى الماضی، و البساطة و الحمیمیة الریفیة، بینما تتناقض الحداثة مع نقص العلم، و برودة العلاقات الاجتماعیة، و تدنیس المقدس. یظهر جدلیة هیغل أن هذه التناقضات کانت بمثابة قوة دافعة فی قلب التاریخ، و تغذی أجنة بعضها البعض. نتیجة هذا التولیف فی کلا العملین هی القلق و الخوف و الوحدة، و التی تتجلى أیضا فی شکل الفراغ و الارتباک فی معنى الحیاة بالنسبة لعمر حمزاوی، الشخصیة الرئیسیة للأشّحاذ نجیب محفوظ. یظهر هذا المقال، مع مقاربة وصفیة تحلیلیة، مع تسلیط الضوء على الجوانب السلبیة للحداثة، أن کلا المؤلفین قد صورا الانتقال غیر المکتمل و غیر المکتمل من التقلید إلى الحداثة بنظرة نقدیة و تناولا بعمق العواقب النفسیة و الاجتماعیة لهذا التطور.

Keywords [العربیة]

  • غلامحسین ساعدی
  • نجیب محفوظ
  • هیغل
  • الشّحاذ
  • الأدب المقارن
  • الجدلیة

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 February 2024
  • Revise Date: 01 July 2024
  • Accept Date: 02 July 2024

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