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Smiling Through the Chains: A Portrait of Yemen’s Struggle for Freedom by Hatem Mohammed Al-Shamea     The image depicts a Yemeni man chained, yet smiling—a poignant and haunting reflection of resilience under brutal repression. This portrayal encapsulates a profound message about endurance and defiance in the face of dehumanization. The chains that bind the …

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The Mother Tree: Nostalgia, Transformation, and Identity in the Yemeni Diaspora By Dr. Hatem Mohammed Al-Shamea     Introduction   Hamid Oqabi’s novel centers around the life of a Yemeni immigrant in France. The narrative primarily revolves around the protagonist’s internal world, which is intricately tied to his memories of his homeland, particularly his associations …

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Does History Repeat Itself? By Abdul Aziz Al-Maqaleh   It is not true, as some contemporary writings suggest, that history repeats itself. It is often people who repeat the mistakes of their ancestors, making these repetitions seem like history is being replayed. Many do not read history or heed its events and past occurrences, which …

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Romanticizing Cigarette Smoking, Alcohol, Nudity, and Drug Consumption in Arabic Cinema by Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction The romanticization of cigarette smoking, alcohol, and drug consumption in cinema has profound implications for societal norms and values. This phenomenon is particularly notable in Egyptian films, which often depict these behaviors as symbols of sophistication, rebellion, or coping …

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Unveiling Yemeni Womanhood: A Feminist Critique of Patriarchal Structures in Nadia Al-Kawkabani’s My Sana’a by Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction The novel My Sana’a by Nadia Al-Kawkabani provides a rich tapestry for critical analysis through the lens of feminist literary theory. Al-Kawkabani, a prominent Yemeni novelist, explores the complexities of gender, identity, and societal expectations in …

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Tradition and Modernity in Yemeni Literature: A Critical Analysis of Hamid Oqabi’s The Yemeni Stallion by  Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction The Yemeni Stallion, “الكبش اليماني الفحل” is a contemporary novel written by the Yemeni writer, Hamid Oqabi in 2024. It delves into the cultural and social fabric of a Yemeni village. Through its narrative, the …

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Rereading the Egyptian Film “Escape to the Top” By Hatem Al-Shamea   “Escape to the Top” (الهروب إلى القمة), was released in 1996, directed by Adel al-Aasar and written by Muhammad Safa’ Al-Amir and starring the renowned Egyptian actor Nour El Sharif, offers a bold and incisive critique of corruption and socio-economic despair in Egypt. …

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Lost Memories and Enduring Struggles: A Critical Analysis of Fatima Wahidi’s “The Second-To-Last Picture” By Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction Fatima Wahidi’s short story, “The Second-To-Last Picture,” is a poignant narrative that explores themes of obsolescence, dignity, and the relentless march of modernity. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, the story follows Sabir, …

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Unraveling Mysticism and Identity in Rural Egypt – An Analysis of Majdi Jaafar’s Diaspora  by Hatem Al-Shamea   Introduction “Diaspora” (“الشتات”) by the Egyptian novelist Majdi Jaafar is the second part of an ambitious novel project, which began with “On the Edge of a Pit” (“على شفا حفرة”) released in 2011. The novel intertwines themes …

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Psychological Analysis of Memory and Trauma in Mayasa Al-Nakhlani’s “I Named Her Fatima” by Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction The novel “I Named Her Fatima” by acclaimed Yemeni author Mayasa Al-Nakhlani delves deeply into themes of psychological trauma, repressed memory, and inner turmoil. Through the protagonist Khalid, the story explores how past traumatic events can shape one’s …

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“Memory” The short story “Memory” written by the Yemeni short story writer, Entesar Asseri, invites readers into a world characterized by amnesia and fragmented recollections. This narrative explores themes of memory, identity, and the complexities of human consciousness. It delves into the surreal realm of the protagonist’s mind, where he grapples with the absence of …

Exploring the Fragile Tapestry of Memory: An Analysis of Entesar Asseri’s ‘Memory’ – by Hatem Al-Shamea Read More »

Introduction: Hanan Al-Qubaisi’s oil painting, which won the 2020 ICESCO Prize, offers a poignant portrayal of Yemen’s tragic descent into conflict and the loss of its storied historical identity. By positioning a regal yet grief-stricken woman amid the ruins of Sana’a’s iconic urban landscape, the artist powerfully conveys the profound human toll of Yemen’s political …

Exploring the Intimacy of Historical and Urban Life: A Critical Analysis of Hanan Al-Qubaisi’s Award-Winning Oil Painting – by Hatem Al-Shamea Read More »

Introduction Raya Ahmed’s short story “A Husband for My Mother” offers a poignant exploration of the lingering effects of paternal absence on a child through the lens of the protagonist Shams’ innocent yet misguided quest. Employing realist techniques amidst surrealist undertones, Ahmed illuminates Shams’psychological turmoil resulting from her lack of a father figure. This paper …

Fractured Bonding: A Psychoanalytic Reading of Paternal Absence in Raya Ahmed’s “A Husband for My Mother” – by Hatem Al-Shamea Read More »

Introduction Wajdi Al-Ahdal’s short story “Hitler Goes to Paradise” is a postmodern work that employs surrealism and metafiction to critique power structures and question perceptions of reality. Through absurdist symbolism and intertextuality, Al-Ahdal subverts expectations of paradise while examining political leadership, religion, and humanity’s fleeting control over destiny. This paper will analyze the story’s unconventional …

Reimagining Religious Revisionism: Queering Expectations of Power, Gender, and Theology in Wajdi Al-Ahdal’s “Hitler Goes to Paradise” – by Hatem Al-Shamea Read More »

By Hatem Al-Shamea ———————————- ———————————– Introduction Bassam Shams El Din is an acclaimed Yemeni novelist who has made significant contributions to Arabic literature. He was born in Ibb, Yemen in 1974. He is known for vivid, imaginative works tackling social and philosophical themes. His writings provide insightful commentary on Yemeni culture and artfully explore elements …

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By Hatem Mohammed Al-Shamea ————————————- ————————————- Introduction Yusef Al-Majidi’s abstract piece depicts several Yemeni national symbols against an orange backdrop. Painted in 2023, it features an unveiled jambiya dagger alongside Queen Bilqis’s six-pillar throne and the ibex horn of Yemen. A shawl is tied crown-like on a pillar. While non-representational, symbols of Yemeni identity and …

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By Hatem Al-Shamea Seeking Cures on Arduous Roads: Postcolonial Analysis of Healthcare and Infrastructure in Arafat Musleh’s “Exhausting Rides” Introduction Ahmed Abdo’s novel “The Enamoured Demon-Possessed” opens with a dense, dreamlike passage brimming with poetic imagery and uncertain reality. The excerpt’s haziness invites literary examination of its unreliable narration, subtextual gender politics, and subtle social …

The Haze of Desire: Exploring Narration, Gender Politics, and Social Critique in Ahmed Abdo’s “The Enamoured Demon-Possessed” Read More »

By Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction Fikria Shihra’s novel “Al-Thajjah”2020, provides a nuanced depiction of women’s lives and the complex gender dynamics within Yemeni society. Its central female characters are portrayed navigating patriarchal constraints while asserting individual desires and agency. This paper analyzes representations of women and gender relations through the lenses of feminist theory and psychoanalysis. …

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