The Narrative Experience of Palestinian Minority Writers in Israel: The Case of Suhayl Kīwān

Abstract

Abstract The current study identifies the most important stages of Suhayl Kīwān’s narrative experience by adopting an applied semiotic model made up of three stages. These three stages categorize the narrative experience of Palestinian minority writers in Israel. The beginning stage demonstrates the period in which writers are still conforming to the normative foundations of local writing styles and themes. Writers at this stage often avoid taking literary risks that might jeopardize the public approval of their texts. The second is the transitional stage wherein writers expand their use of literary forms, styles, and techniques and begin to take literary risks that somewhat distinguish them in the world of Arabic literature. The third and final stage is the maturity stage in which writers demonstrate that they have achieved their independent creative identity by uniquely excelling in one or more literary forms, styles, or techniques. The current study traces these stages by taking Suhayl Kīwān as a case that exemplifies the narrative experience of Palestinian minority writers in Israel. It further shows how satirical writing plays a significant role in constructing the independent creative identity of Palestinian minority writers.