Study of the Rural Environment in the Novel »A Small Death« by Mohammed Hasan Alwan

Abstract

The novel "Mawt Saghir" by Mohammad Hassan Alwan is considered one of the most significant contemporary literary works addressing existential themes and spirituality. It explores the symbolism of death, immortality, and religious rituals in rural life through the character of Ibn Arabi. The novel illustrates how characters are influenced by the contrast between the calm rural environment and the chaotic urban one. Despite the tranquility of rural life, Ibn Arabi experiences a sense of confinement, struggling with adaptation to change and feelings of separation and longing. However, the breathtaking nature and rural landscapes offer him an opportunity for self-reflection and engagement with his existential questions. Ibn Arabi’s journeys in the countryside reflect his evolving understanding of himself and life. Research questions: How is the rural environment depicted in "Mawt Saghir" and how does it affect the main character's perceptions of life and death? How does the rural environment compare to other settings in the novel? What role does the rural environment play in developing the plot and narrative? The novel portrays vast fields surrounding the countryside, describing plants and trees such as date palms and olives, reflecting the agricultural lifestyle dependent on these resources.