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The Image of the Prostitute in Modern Arabic Literature

Hunanyan, Gevorg
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1325095360

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures.
This thesis analyzes the image of the prostitute in Modern Arabic literature. The focus is on four Arab writers: Naguib Mahfouz, Yusuf Idris, Nawal El Saadawi and Salwa Bakr. A close reading of the novels in discussion reveals a sharp difference between how male and female writers portray prostitutes. While in the novels of Mahfouz and Idris prostitutes know the value of their body and they try to use it in order to attract males or to gain material benefits, in the works of female authors, girls become prostitutes because of the male characters who deny women control over their own bodies. Although both male and female writers in Egypt addressed problems of prostitution in their writings, female writers are more active in calling for social and political changes while male writers seem more content with traditionally accepted norms and behaviors. The thesis also explores the relationship between a prostitute’s character and politics, especially how the interaction between different government bodies and prostitutes is depicted. Juxtaposition of politics and prostitutes can reveal the attitude of the author towards the oppressive regime. Another way to look at the image of the prostitute is to read it as a symbol. As a symbol it also differs from male to female writers’ points of view. In many instances, male authors do not hesitate to portray prostitutes in a negative way, hence reinforcing her stereotype as a criminal. Meanwhile, women writers are more inclined to break the established pattern and reconstruct our ideas about morality and honor.
Joseph Zeidan (Committee Chair)
Sabra J. Webber (Committee Member)

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Hunanyan, G. (2012). The Image of the Prostitute in Modern Arabic Literature [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1325095360

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Hunanyan, Gevorg. The Image of the Prostitute in Modern Arabic Literature. 2012. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1325095360.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Hunanyan, Gevorg. "The Image of the Prostitute in Modern Arabic Literature." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1325095360

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1325095360
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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.