The Temporal Structure in Hassan Al-Jundi's Novel "Noah the Slaughtered"

Abstract

The temporal structure of the novel can be considered an important and fertile field for innovation and creativity, as it provides the writer with flexible tools to reshape the elements of time to serve his artistic and intellectual purposes. This approach reinforces the importance of time as a narrative element capable of pushing the boundaries of tradition and redefining the narrative experience for both the writer and the reader.
By paying attention to the temporal structure, the writer can combine different time periods, such as the past, present, and future, to create a multi-layered text. This structure highlights the philosophical and human presence of time within the novel.
These techniques allow the writer to highlight multiple dimensions of an event or character, enriching the narrative text and giving it a unique character.
The novel sheds light on a sacred shrine in an Egyptian village, said to belong to Sheikh Noah, who lived long ago. Events intertwine between the past and the present, as the secrets of the shrine and its relationship with Sheikh Noah are revealed, adding a layer of symbolism and mystery. Hassan Al-Jundi's novel "Noah the Slaughtered" is characterized by a complex and innovative temporal structure, as the author uses multiple narrative techniques to manage time within the text. These techniques vary between flashbacks, which take the reader back to past events to clarify the characters' backgrounds, and ellipsis, which shortens long periods of time without delving into their details, accelerating the narrative pace. Acceleration is also evident in the text through a brief summary of events, which contributes to condensing the narrative time.
We used the structural approach to study the novel from the perspective of temporal structure. This approach focuses on analyzing the internal relationships within a literary text and views the text as an integrated system composed of interconnected elements that perform different functions.
The study demonstrated that the author demonstrated skill in using time in a variety of ways, which added an element of suspense and excitement to the development of events.