Unraveling the Theme of Theodicy in Ahmed Saadawi's Frankenstein in Baghdad Through the Literary Devices of Allusion

Abstract

This article explores the theme of theodicy in Ahmed Saadawi's Frankenstein in Baghdad through the literary devices of allusion. It claims that the author evokes theodicean emotions or associations, and engages readers' prior knowledge and cultural awareness to empower religious and cultural identity in his work throughout three kinds of allusions. Showing a unique view on the consequences of civil war and violence on both individuals and society, Saadawi's novel, winning the "Arabic Booker Prize," obviously intertwines together elements of horror, political allegory, and dark satire. The aim of this work is to examine the theodicy behind this diverse coexistence novelty implied behind these allusions that contributes to the understanding of the themes of the novel. The study revealed that Saadawi alludes to different aspects of references, which all contribute to the comprehension and presentation of religious and cultural identities that explore the evil of his national culture