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Nostalgia, Arab Nationalism, and The Andalusian Chronotope in the Evolution of the Modern Arabic Novel

2005; Brill; Volume: 36; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1163/1570064053560648

1570-064X

William Granara,

Hispanic-African Historical Relations

Abstract The theme of "Al-Andalus" has featured prominently in the Arabic novel from the novel's earliest stages to its most recent diverse and complex maturation. This article examines the connections between the temporal and spatial signi fications of Al-Andalus and how they function within three Arabic novels, from the historical/romantic, social realist, and modernist genres. It argues that writing Al-Andalus entails more than nostalgia for a glorious past. These novelists take a critical view of contemporary society and rework Al-Andalus as a blueprint for a more hopeful future. That is, the historical consciousness of the "Andalusian" novel re flects on, explains, and critiques the current state of affairs in the Arab world. More generally, this study reiterates the homologous relationship between the political and intellectual trajectory of modern Arabic thought, and here the emphasis is on Arab Nationalism, and the development of the Arabic novel.