Female Subjectivity in Anglophone Arab and Irish Diasporic Fiction: A Thematic Exploration of Identity, Displacement, and Gender Roles

Abstract

This study focuses on a diverse array of Arab women writers from different countries, representing various educational backgrounds and cultural origins, including the Mediterranean and African regions, while adhering to diverse religious beliefs such as Islam and Christianity. These writers endeavour to create art that transcends national boundaries, presenting captivating female characters and exploring their struggles, identities, and journeys within the complex realm of the diaspora. These writers adeptly offer readers invaluable insights into the lived experiences of women navigating life in exile, weaving poignant, nostalgic memories illuminating the intricate challenges they face in their adopted homelands. This study of female subjectivity in selected novels by Anglophone Irish and Arab writers living in the diaspora is achieved through a comprehensive comparative technique and thematic analysis. Using these methods, the article critically examines how these female authors skilfully negotiate multifaceted issues of feminist identity, cultural displacement, and gender roles in their literary works. The analysis reveals a rich tapestry of female subjectivity portrayed through a nuanced lens, intricately interwoven with cultural heritage and the distinct realities of the diaspora. This exploration of selected works from renowned authors allows for a deepened comprehension of how female specificity interplays with the intricacies of diasporic experiences, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that resonates across borders. Ultimately, this article contributes significantly to understanding the diverse and empowering narratives of female identity within the context of Anglophone Irish and Arab diasporic fiction. It draws attention to a complex pattern of female subjectivity that goes beyond the superficial. It is portrayed through a focus lens intricately interwoven with cultural heritage and the distinct diaspora realities. The study provides the readers with a profound and thought-provoking narrative that transcends borders, speaking to universal themes such as identity, displacement, and gender roles through selected works and authors.