Ebn-Almoqaffa in Narrative and Poetry (Formerly known as Quarterly of Arabic Language and Literature

Ebn-Almoqaffa in Narrative and Poetry (Formerly known as Quarterly of Arabic Language and Literature

Stream of Consciousness in Najib Al-Kilani’s Novel "Amaliqat al-Shamal" Based on Narrative Techniques

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Department of Arabic Language and Literature, University of Guilan, Guilan, Iran.
Abstract
Stream of consciousness in the novelistic tradition represents a pivotal transformation in the conception of human experience. The narrative strategies associated with stream of consciousness constitute some of the most significant tools through which novelists convey the inner and mental experiences of their characters. Here, narration extends beyond the depiction of external events to unveil the depths of the human psyche, with all its conflicts, reflections, and emotions. Among Arab novelists, Najib al-Kilani is particularly notable for his integration of traditional narrative modes with the techniques of stream of consciousness, producing a literary vision that simultaneously embraces psychological, social, and religious dimensions. His novel "Amaliqat al-Shamal" illustrates this interplay vividly, as narration becomes a primary instrument for representing the mental and psychological experiences of the characters—especially that of the Muslim preacher, who confronts intertwined internal and external challenges within the socio-historical setting of 1960s Nigeria. This study employs an analytical–descriptive approach through a close reading of "Amaliqat al-Shamal" in order to identify the narrative techniques utilized within the framework of stream of consciousness. Particular attention is given to how this technique allows the articulation of characters’ inner structures while at the same time providing a holistic vision of historical and social realities. The narrative shifts fluidly across multiple layers of consciousness and between objective and subjective temporalities, transcending conventional chronological order. This fluidity makes it possible to portray past and present experiences alongside the immediate flow of a character’s thoughts, all within a single moment in time.
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