“Natural Objects in Youssef Ziedan’s Azazeel: An Environmental Perspective”

Authors

  • Ahmad M.S. Abu Baker Al al-Bayt University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18533/journal.v5i3.926

Keywords:

Ecocriticism, Natural Objects, Natural Selection, Biological Determinism, Youssef Ziedan’s Azazeel

Abstract

This article provides a new reading of Youssef Ziedan’s Azazeel by examining natural objects (trees, seas, rocks, predators, birds, and landscapes respectively) and applying ecocriticism and Freudian as well as Jungian insights. The study of natural objects yields interesting results: For instance, in Azazeel, trees symbolize peace, security, natural home [oikos], surrogate good mother, and immortality. The sea, in contrast, pretends to be a good mother generating a sense of security and tranquility but is a terrible mother, deceptive, cunning, and fatal. The article explains the murders of Hypatia and Octavia, the actions of Cyril and his followers, Hypa’s reflections and actions from an environmental/ecocritical perspective. The final analysis reveals the way culture tries to separate the human from the non-human although they are supposed to be part of one harmonious ecological system and the need to stop seeing nature as dead/passive if we want to save planet earth from an environmental apocalyptic catastrophe.

Author Biography

  • Ahmad M.S. Abu Baker, Al al-Bayt University

    Associate Professor of English & Comparative Literature at Al al-Bayt University, Jordan. Doctorate of English & Comparative Literature from Murdoch University/Western Australia in 2002. 20 published articles in international refereed indexed journals on a variety of topics including: postcolonial theory, identity, Emily Dickinson, War Poetry. A Contributor of the five volume set The Dictionary of World Literary Characters published by Facts on File. Inc.

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Published

2016-03-29

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