The Narrative Structure of Magical Realism in the Novels "The Senior" by Khairy Shalabi and "Fear and Trembling" by Gholam Hussein Saedi: A Comparative Study

Abstract

ructure of magical realism in the novel "The Senior" by the Egyptian writer Khairy Shalabi and the novel "Fear and Trembling" by the Iranian writer Gholam Hussein Saedi. By magical realism, we mean the blending of reality and fantasy, and the writer's interest in transcending the traditional narrative form is evident. Through this, the researcher examines the narrative structure in these two works of magical realism, examining the event, character, and time-space using a descriptive analytical and comparative approach, based on the American school. The most important findings I reached are that the narrative structure of magical realism appears in multiple axes in the two novels, including events, characters, and time and space. These elements are manifested in magical realist styles by both novelists, and the events represented by poverty and backwardness are similar, as are the use of fixed characters throughout the novel. Both novelists shared the representation of negative characters within the framework of "Strangers." Saadi differed in his significant emphasis on the time and space element and its connection to horror in the space of "The Sea," while Shalabi limited his focus to the village and limited familiar spaces. They differed in their use of magical techniques for narrative construction. Shalabi distinguished himself by his use of symbols, while Saadi focused extensively on the element of fear and horror.