SONALLAH IBRAHIM THE VOICE OF RESISTANCE: INTERTEXTUALITY, SYMBOLISM AND THE ROOTS OF THE REVOLUTION

Abstract

This paper reads Sonallah Ibrahim’s novel Dhat as a prophecy that
foreshadow the signs of the current Egyptian revolution that took place at the turn of
the 21st century, and which has inspired other Arabic regions as well. His satiric
attitude highlights issues of social injustice, in particular, class oppression in Egypt.
However, the question is, what are the narrative techniques that Ibrahim used to
express his perspectives? And to what extent these views reflect the social reality of
Egypt. The paper argues that Ibrahim’s angry tone is largely delivered through
intertextuality and symbolism which appeared to be the driving force of Ibrahim's
social satire. The discussion mainly focuses on the use of these satirical devices
through which Ibrahim presented a panoramic view of social injustice in his society.
It concludes with the view that Ibrahim’s critical skills have been carefully
interwoven to suggest the sharp socio-economic contrast of the existing situation
which ultimately leads to the burst of the Arabic spring.