Contemporary Arabic Literature

Abstract

The present book is complementary to my Modern Arabic Literature: A Theoretical Framework (2017), but, unlike the latter’s macro-conception, which at times could be subject to the charge of ignoring the nuances and details of the topic, the emphasis here is on the texts themselves and specific literary activities—in other words, on the micro-systems that make up the entire system of Arabic literature. The book has two main axes relevant to contemporary Arabic literary production: the first is heritage – modern Arab authors have been drawing inspiration from their rich ancient heritage whether it has been embodied in texts or concrete experiences, real or imaginary. This is why the way we view the relationship between modern and medieval Arabic literature is highly essential for our understanding of the nature of contemporary Arabic literature. The second axis is world literature – the relationships and connections between Arabic literature and other literatures are essential for the understanding of its nature, whereby Arabic literary works may become a source of direct or indirect loans for another literature and vice versa. What may move, be borrowed, and/or taken over from one culture to another is not just an item of literary repertoire, but also a host of other literary features used in that repertoire.