The Dialectics of Literature and Society in Shaban Abdel Hakim's Novelistic Achievement: A Descriptive Analytical Study

Abstract

This research paper investigates the profound relationship between literature and society through an analytical lens applied to the novelistic works of the critic and novelist Shaban Abdel Hakim. The study aims to demonstrate how literature serves as a mirror reflecting social, economic, and political realities while functioning as a tool for ethical reform and aesthetic pleasure. By adopting a descriptive-analytical approach, the researcher explores the dialectical bond between the creative text and its surrounding environment, emphasizing that a writer is an influential social actor rather than a mere spectator. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the author’s background, noting his academic contributions in literary criticism and his diverse creative output across novels, short stories, and poetry. The core of the study analyzes several key novels, including "They Killed Dr. Ahmed," "وقتلوا الدكتور أحمد"، "A Rejected Invitation," "دعوة مرفوضة","Crossing to the Other Shore," "العبور إلى الشاطئ الآخر "News of the Pasha's Village," "أخبار قرية الباشا and "Killing Zahra""قتل زهرة". These works are examined for their depiction of societal ailments such as nepotism, injustice, corruption, and the erosion of moral values. For instance, the research highlights how Abdel Hakim utilizes techniques like the "dream" and "collage" to contrast harsh realities with human aspirations, while condemning the marginalization of intellectuals and the systemic oppression faced by various social segments. The findings suggest that Abdel Hakim’s narratives maintain a balance between ideological commitment and artistic integrity, ensuring that the social message does not overshadow the aesthetic quality of the prose. Ultimately, the study concludes that authentic literature is an inseparable part of the social fabric, acting as an alarm for societal dangers and a catalyst for potential reform.