The beauty of Mahfouz's characters is that they all stand out from each other. With Midaq Alley's setting in Egypt during the Second World War, the wave of modernization was strange yet captivating for every individual which holds a very important role in the novel. Torn in the shades of black and white, New and Classics, conservative minds and so called open mindedness the characters are constantly seen struggling on many levels.
Table of Contents
- Abbas's Influence upon the Alley in Naguib Mahfouz's Midaq Alley
- The Influence of Westernization on Abbas's Life
- The Alley's Role in Abbas's Downfall
- Abbas's Tragic Flaw and the Consequences of His Actions
- The Symbolism of the Alley and Its Inhabitants
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay explores the influence of Abbas, a character in Naguib Mahfouz's novel Midaq Alley, on the alley itself. It analyzes how Abbas's pursuit of modernization and material wealth leads to his downfall, highlighting the consequences of rejecting traditional values and the alley's role in shaping his fate.
- The allure and limitations of westernization
- The conflict between traditional and modern values
- The relationship between characters and their environment
- The consequences of ambition and materialism
- The symbolic representation of the alley
Chapter Summaries
The essay begins by introducing Abbas as a character initially content with his life in the alley. However, he becomes infatuated with a woman named Hamida, whose materialistic ambitions influence him to seek wealth and status outside the alley. Abbas joins the British Army, hoping to achieve a better future for himself and Hamida. Despite his initial hopes, Abbas's pursuit of modernization ultimately leads to his demise. He is tragically killed after his actions stem from jealousy and a desire to fulfill Hamida's ambitions.
The essay then analyzes Abbas's tragic flaw—his idealism and inability to control his jealousy. It argues that his actions are a consequence of his rejection of the alley's values and the allure of modern influences. The essay emphasizes the role of the alley in shaping Abbas's fate, suggesting that it both tempted him with the promise of wealth and ultimately revealed the harsh realities of his choices.
Keywords
The key themes of the essay revolve around the interplay between traditional and modern values, the consequences of materialism and ambition, and the symbolic representation of the alley in shaping characters' lives. It examines the impact of westernization on individual characters, particularly Abbas, and the complex relationship between individuals and their environment. The essay explores the concepts of love, jealousy, and the tragic consequences of misguided idealism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abbas in Mahfouz's "Midaq Alley"?
Abbas is a barber in the alley who represents the struggle between traditional contentment and the destructive allure of modern, materialistic ambitions.
How does Westernization influence Abbas's fate?
The wave of modernization during WWII captivates Abbas, leading him to join the British Army for wealth, which eventually results in his tragic downfall.
What is Abbas's tragic flaw?
His primary flaws are his naive idealism and his uncontrollable jealousy, particularly regarding his love for Hamida.
What does the Alley symbolize in the novel?
The Alley symbolizes a conservative, traditional world that is increasingly threatened and changed by external modern influences.
How does Hamida affect Abbas's decisions?
Hamida's materialistic desires drive Abbas to abandon his simple life in search of status and money to prove himself worthy of her.
- Quote paper
- BA (Hons) Sofia Arslan (Author), 2017, Abbas's Influence upon the Alley in Naguib Mahfouz's "Midaq Alley", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/366080
