Analysis of Polyphonic Effects in the Novel of Ra'i Ghawali by Wafaa Al-Amimi Using Mikhail Bakhtin's Theory

Analysis of Polyphonic Effects in the Novel of Ra'i Ghawali by Wafaa Al-Amimi Using Mikhail Bakhtin's Theory

Polyphony is among the topics that are of high significance in fiction literature studies in the last decade. Accordingly, one of the notable theories is the polyphonic theory by Mikhail Bakhtin, the Russian theoretician. According to Bakhtin, polyphony is the same distribution of voices in the text without one voice dominating the other and violating the voices independence. The best types of literature for reflecting voices are story, novel and narrative, the Bakhtin considers only a novel worthy of attention and valuable providing the opportunity for the emergence of different voices. The present study has analyzed the novel Ra'i Ghawali (Camel Shepherd named Ghwali) by Wafa Al-Umimi (1989), using a descriptive-analytical approach, based on the aforementioned theory. Al-Amimi has attempted to illustrate the views and misconceptions of society towards divorced women in this work. Women who strive to fulfill their dreams, but people in the society prevent them from growthing, developing their talent by sticking to their old beliefs. Realism and presentation of a true picture of society are reasons for choosing this novel. The results of this research indicate that Al-Amimi has created various voices aimed at critiquing the social structures of society regarding divorced women. Considering the elements of polyphony proposed by Bakhtin, the existence of these voices along with other evidence such as the multiplicity of different discourses and ideologies, intertextuality, multiplicity of narrators, and the sudden change of perspective and chronotope categorizes this novel as one of polyphonic literature.

The story, novel, and tale provide a suitable platform for reflecting various conversations and voices within society because their foundations are based on dialogue and interaction. Mikhail Bakhtin (1895-1975) believes that the novel is a form of literature where different voices and perspectives can emerge—voices that, on their own, lack significance and meaning, but only become meaningful in relation to one another, creating a system of meaning. Bakhtin places a special emphasis on the genre of the novel, viewing it as a repository of multiple voices. In his view, the novel has the unique capacity to represent conflicting voices, which may not be found in other literary forms. According to Bakhtin, poetry has a single-voiced nature, while the novel possesses a distinctive ability to represent multiple and diverse voices. In Arabic literature, writers such as Wafaa Al-Amimi (born in 1989), an Emirati female author, strive to create a multi-voiced space in their works to express contemporary human thoughts, problems, and concerns. The multi-voiced nature of novels and stories enables them to present a more comprehensive reflection of societal conversations and diverse voices, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the human experience. The use of novels, stories, and literature as a platform for reflecting different conversations and voices within society, as discussed in these examples, allows for a richer and more nuanced portrayal of human interaction and the complexities of contemporary life.

Methodology

Given the prominent role of young writers like Wafaa Al-Amimi in advancing contemporary Arab literature and introducing it to the world, the examination of her works provides an opportunity for deeper reflection and familiarity with the fiction of the UAE and the author. On the other hand, Bakhtin’s theory of polyphony highlights the necessity of further research, as it leads us to a new understanding of the text. This current research endeavors, with a descriptive-analytical approach, to investigate and analyze the various voices in the novel “Raei Ghawali” based on Bakhtin’s theory. These are scholarly and insightful thoughts reflecting the importance of cultural and literary exploration.

Results and Discussion

The use of multiple discourses and the employment of internal monologue, evocation of meanings and dreams to highlight the voices of the characters, the use of Quranic verses and poetry such as that of Rashid Al Maktoum, switching perspectives from first person to third person and vice versa, multiple narrators, and the presence of different ideologies, temporal and spatial interference or chronotopes are among the reasons that prove the polyphony of the novel "Raei Ghawali". The voices in this novel include one belonging to Amani, which calls for freedom and reclaiming her place in society. Amani's voice exposes the experience of a divorced woman who is ostracized by society and shunned by people due to her divorce. The second voice is that of Buthayna, Ahmad, and Amani's father, who in some instances, restricts women in matters such as dress and their presence in social gatherings, confining their place solely to the home. In fact, this voice portrays the patriarchal ideology of the society, freely engaging in second, third, or even fourth marriages, while restricting women in many aspects and depriving them of even the most basic rights such as driving, attending social events, or employment. Al-Amimi employs multiple voices to illustrate the issue of overlooked rights of divorced women, the misconceptions people have about them, and the declination of their societal position. Simultaneously, she creates a space for the free expression of thoughts, ideas, and beliefs for different characters.

Conclusion

Dialogue is one of the important and prominent elements in a literary and narrative work, as it drives the narrative action, introduces characters, and contributes to the dynamism of the story. According to Bakhtin, the diversity of languages and individual voices in narration is a structured and literary diversity. In the novel in question, numerous dialogues occur between the characters, such as the conversation between Amani and Faisal regarding their wedding ceremony and its organization., providing a platform for expressing their opinions about the customs and traditions of marriage. Amani believes in a more lavish wedding ceremony, while Faisal prefers the contrary. Despite Faisal’s belief in adhering to the customary and affordable way of conducting the ceremony within his means, he organizes the ceremony in the most magnificent way possible for Amani’s satisfaction. The primary issues the characters address include women’s rights, women’s attire and veiling, and the restrictions women face against men’s privileges in Arab society.