Half A Day And Other Stories.pdf
Half a Day and Other Stories.pdf
Half a Day and Other Stories is a collection of short stories by the Nobel Prize-winning Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz. The collection was published in 1991 and contains 18 stories that span different genres and themes, such as realism, surrealism, allegory, satire, social criticism, and historical fiction. The stories reflect Mahfouz's mastery of the Arabic language and his insight into the human condition, especially in the context of modern Egyptian society.
One of the most famous stories in the collection is "Half a Day", which tells the story of a boy's first day at school. The story begins with the boy's father taking him to school in the morning, and ends with the boy leaving school in the evening. However, as he walks home, he realizes that the city has changed drastically, and that he has aged into an old man. The story is an allegory of life as a journey that passes quickly and unexpectedly, and also a commentary on the rapid social and political changes that Egypt underwent in the twentieth century.
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Another notable story is "The Time and the Place", which gives the title to the collection. The story is set in Cairo during the British occupation of Egypt in the 1940s. It revolves around a young man named Abdel Moneim, who is involved in the nationalist movement against the British. He meets a mysterious woman named Zainab, who claims to be a spy for the resistance. However, as their relationship develops, Abdel Moneim begins to doubt Zainab's identity and motives, and wonders if she is actually working for the enemy. The story explores the themes of love, betrayal, loyalty, and identity in a time of political turmoil.
Other stories in the collection include "The Answer Is No", which deals with the issue of sexual harassment and female empowerment; "The Ditch", which depicts the harsh realities of poverty and corruption; "The Man and the Other Man", which satirizes the hypocrisy and opportunism of politicians; "The Norwegian Rat", which portrays the psychological effects of war and violence; "The Wasteland", which criticizes the exploitation of natural resources and environmental degradation; and "Zaabalawi", which is a mystical quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Half a Day and Other Stories is a remarkable showcase of Mahfouz's literary talent and versatility. The stories are rich in symbolism, imagery, humor, and emotion, and offer a glimpse into the diverse aspects of Egyptian culture and history. The collection is available as a PDF file from various sources online .