Dimensions of Spacetime (Chronotope) in Sherzad Hassan's Novella 'My Father's Castle and His Dogs' from Bakhtin's Perspective

Abstract

This study, titled "Dimensions of Spacetime (Chronotope) in Sherzad Hassan's Novella 'My Father's Castle and His Dogs' from Bakhtin's Perspective,"* explores the violent nature of patriarchal hegemony within the confines of a courtyard (hassar) directed against children, family members, and even animals. Although all characters reside within this space, the father figure treats his sons and daughters with utter disdain, viewing them as inferior beings or animals. He constantly reminds them of their subordinate status, denying them fundamental rights such as marriage.

The research sheds light on the tyranny and oppression exerted by the father, demonstrating that his patriarchal authority is multifaceted rather than one-dimensional. Furthermore, this study examines the cruel manipulation of the stepmother, who tames the eldest son to assassinate his father. Her goal is to escape the prison of the courtyard with her lover, taking her husband's gold and money. Through an innovative analytical reading based on Mikhail Bakhtin’s literary theory, this study deciphers Sherzad Hassan’s novella to unveil the various dimensions of the chronotype reflected within the text. It also highlights the perspectives of state officials and politicians who consistently maintain that absolute truth resides solely with the patriarch (the father). Ultimately, the study concludes that by engaging with the world outside the courtyard, the children and their families can transform into a responsible collective force, transcending regional, ideological, and religious boundaries. While their initial efforts focus on escaping the father’s tyranny, their ultimate goal shifts toward achieving absolute freedom and liberation. Additionally, the research poses profound questions: How could a father bring himself to murder his daughter simply because she looked at the moon on an ordinary night? How could a son bring himself to murder his father merely because he was forbidden from marrying? This opens new avenues of investigation into how the rights of children and families must manifest uniquely to advance equality within Kurdish society. Finally, the study presents the main conclusions and a comprehensive list of references.