Naguib Mahfouz

The strength of Badawi refers to his power over the narrator as a privileged male. The weakness of the narrator refers to her hesitation at standing up to him. It is both referring to his literal and...

The most convincing interpretation of "Zaabalawi" is a spiritual quest. The narrator's search for Zaabalawi, a saint believed to heal incurable illnesses, reflects a spiritual journey. While other...

"The law" is a secondary character in the story that both reflects and, in some ways, drives the plot forward.

In "Zaabalawi," the narrator compares regaining consciousness to "a policeman's fist" because it represents a jarring return from the peaceful dream world to the harsh reality of his incurable...

The main themes in Naguib Mahfouz's "Wedding Song" include the complex interplay between art and life, as the protagonist Abbas's life mirrors his artistic work. The novel also explores the...

The point of view in Naguib Mahfouz's "The Answer Is No" is limited third person. This narrative perspective allows the reader access to the thoughts and emotions of the unnamed female protagonist, a...

In the story "Zaabalawi," the local sheik cannot help the narrator find Zaabalawi because Zaabalawi does not have a permanent address. His advice is useless, because the narrator is as likely to...

Betrayal is central to Naguib Mahfouz's Wedding Song, affecting each character deeply. The novel explores this theme through multiple perspectives, highlighting Abbas's betrayal of Tariq by marrying...