Analysis of Abdul Rahman Sharqawi's novel "Al-Falah" based on the critical aesthetics of the Frankfurt School

Analysis of Abdul Rahman Sharqawi's novel "Al-Falah" based on the critical aesthetics of the Frankfurt School

Introduction : Critical Aesthetic Theory, one of the foundational concepts of the Frankfurt School in the 20th century, provides a framework for critiquing the structures of capitalist societies. This school of thought posits that art, as a synthesis of sensory experiences and rational perception, is the only phenomenon capable of authentically engaging with beauty. Art is not confined to mere entertainment or pure aesthetics; rather, it serves as a vital tool for social critique and fostering fundamental societal transformations. The present study aims to analyze The Peasant (Al-Fallāḥ ), a novel by the Egyptian writer Abdel Rahman Al-Sharqawi, through the lens of Critical Aesthetic Theory, employing a descriptive-analytical methodology. As an example of critical literature, The Peasant offers an aesthetic critique of capitalist society and its cultural impacts. This research seeks to answer how Al-Sharqawi artistically employs the beauty of art to critique power structures and dominant ideologies, and how he transforms art into a medium for enhancing critical thinking and social awareness.

Methodology : This study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to examine The Peasant . The analysis is grounded in Critical Aesthetic Theory, with a particular focus on its key concept of mass culture critique. By exploring themes such as resistance to the culture industry, opposition to individualism and reductionism, dialectical contradictions, and the critique of gender stereotypes, the research investigates how Al-Sharqawi uses diverse and complex characters, along with an engaging narrative, to address social inequalities, political corruption, identity crises, and hidden societal issues perpetuated by mass culture.

Results and Discussion : The findings of this research reveal that Al-Sharqawi effectively employs artistic beauty as a means to critique societal structures and dominant ideologies. Through the creation of multifaceted characters and a compelling narrative, he highlights contradictions, social inequalities, political corruption, and identity crises within Egyptian postcolonial society, which are often obscured by mass culture. By inviting readers to examine these contradictions, inequalities, and cultural stereotypes, The Peasant fosters deeper reflection and analysis of societal issues. The novel's engagement with themes such as the critique of mass culture, opposition to individualism, and the deconstruction of gender stereotypes demonstrates how art can serve as a powerful medium for promoting critical thinking and social consciousness.

Conclusion : The Peasant stands as a significant example of critical literature that uses art as a tool for social critique and change. Al-Sharqawi's novel not only critiques the structures of capitalist society and their cultural impacts but also emphasizes the transformative potential of art. By addressing social contradictions, inequalities, and hidden societal issues, the novel invites readers to engage in critical thinking and reflection on their own society. This study underscores the relevance of Critical Aesthetic Theory in analyzing literary works and highlights the enduring power of art to challenge dominant ideologies and foster social awareness.



Keywords : Critical Aesthetics, The Novel "The Peasant," Abdel Rahman Al-Sharqawi, Mass Culture, Postcolonial Egypt.







References

Ahmadi, B. (1998). Creation and freedom. Tehran: Markaz Publication. (In Persian)

Azadarmeki, T., & Rezaei, M. (2006). Subject and power: An analysis of the formation of mentality in cultural studies. Sociological Studies, 27, 125_156. (In Persian)

Benjamin, W., Marcuse, H., & Adorno, T. (2003). Critical aesthetics: Selected writings on aesthetics by Walter Benjamin, Herbert Marcuse, and Theodor Adorno. Translated by O. Mehrgan. Tehran: Game Nov Publication. (In Persian)

Corrigan, P. (2017). An introduction to the sociology of consumption. Translated by Sh. Madani Lavassani. Tehran: Research Institute for Culture, Art and Communications. (In Persian)

Fuladi, M. (2021). Analysis of women's social status in Reza Baraheni's novels based on the critical aesthetics theory of the Frankfurt School. Pazhoheshnameh ye Adabiyat e Dastani, 10(4), 129_150. (In Persian)

Giddens, A., & Bordsley, K. (2007). Sociology. Translated by H. Chavoshian. Tehran: Ney Publication. (In Persian)

Jahaniyan, N. (1999). Individualism and capitalism. Kitabe Naqd, 11, 38_63. (In Persian)

Lasswell, H. D. (1997). Structure and function of communication in society. Translated by N. Doosti, Resaneh, 31, 62_69. (In Persian)

Mahdizadeh, M. (2010). Media theories: Common ideas and critical perspectives. Tehran: Nashre Hamshahri. (In Persian)

Mohseni, M., & Pirooz, G. (2009). Analysis of Parvin E'tesami's poetry based on the critical aesthetics theory of the Frankfurt School. Nasr e pazhuheshi ye Adab e Farsi, 22, 223_248. (In Persian)

Pashai Fakhri, K., Hosseinpur Chianeh, A., & Adelzadeh. P. (2020). A study of Nima Yushij's poetry based on the critical aesthetics theory of the Frankfurt School. Aesthetics of Literature, 43, 1_25. (In Persian)

Pin, M., & Rey Barbra, J. (2020). A critical dictionary of thought: From the Enlightenment to postmodernism. Translated by P. Yazdanjou. Tehran: Markaz Publication. (In Persian)

Sharquawi, A. (1975). Al_ Falah. Tunis: Abd Allah Publishing and Distribution. (In Arabic)

Stirintati, D. (2001). Introduction to popular culture theories. Translated by S. Paknazar. Tehran: Game nov Publication. (In Persian)