Naglaa Waly

When Maḥfūẓ wrote about the 1967 defeat: (Re)reading Taḥt al-miẓalla (1969) and al-Ḥubb taḥt al-maṭar (1973, 2023)

Introduction

When maḥfūẓ wrote about the 1967 defeat: (re)reading taḥt al-miẓalla (1969) and al-Ḥubb taḥt al-maṭar (1973, 2023). Explore Naguib Maḥfūẓ's portrayal of the 1967 Arab defeat in "Taḥt al-miẓalla" and "al-Ḥubb taḥt al-maṭar." This re-reading uses trauma theory to analyze national trauma in post-1967 Arab literature.

Abstract

The 1967 defeat remains one of the most dreadful moments in modern Arab history. Rapid and violent, it shook the foundations of the political order and dismantled the myth of Nasser and his anti-colonial project. This crisis had lasting consequences on the trajectory of post-1967 Arab literature and intellectual thought. This article seeks to explore Maḥfūẓ’s depiction of national trauma through a close reading of two of his works written in the aftermath of the defeat: the short story Taḥt al-miẓalla (‘Under the Bus Shelter,’ 1969) and the novel al-Ḥubb taḥt al-maṭar (‘Love in the Rain,’ 1973, 2023). I argue that re-reading these works through the lens of trauma theory offers an essential dimension to their literary analysis, deepening our understanding of their significance. In applying trauma theory to this new reading, I draw on the studies by Neal (1998, 2005), Alexander et al. (2004), LaCapra (2001, 2014) and those related to decolonized trauma theory by Visser (2014), as well as studies applying a sociological approach to Arabic literature (Mehrez 1994; Jacquemond 2008), which have been fundamental resources. Both works exemplify Maḥfūẓ’s sincere commitment to the socio-political realities of his country, as well as his innovative narrative techniques that capture the complexities of the world he seeks to portray.

Review

This article proposes a timely and compelling re-examination of Nāgīb Maḥfūẓ's engagement with the devastating 1967 Arab-Israeli War, a moment that profoundly reshaped the political and intellectual landscape of the Arab world. By focusing on *Taḥt al-miẓalla* (1969) and *al-Ḥubb taḥt al-maṭar* (1973, 2023), the paper sets out to explore Maḥfūẓ’s literary depiction of national trauma. The chosen texts are highly relevant, representing Maḥfūẓ's immediate and sustained responses to this pivotal historical event, and the stated aim of deepening our understanding of their significance through a new theoretical lens is promising. The methodology is particularly strong, positioning trauma theory as an essential framework for this re-reading. The abstract specifies a robust theoretical foundation, drawing on canonical trauma theorists such as Neal, Alexander et al., and LaCapra, while crucially integrating decolonized trauma theory through Visser. This combination promises a nuanced analysis that acknowledges both universal aspects of trauma and the specific socio-political and historical contexts of the Arab world. Furthermore, the inclusion of sociological approaches to Arabic literature (Mehrez, Jacquemond) suggests an interdisciplinary perspective that will enrich the literary analysis by connecting it to broader societal dynamics, affirming Maḥfūẓ's commitment to socio-political realities. Overall, this article promises a significant contribution to both Maḥfūẓ studies and the broader field of Arab literature, particularly in its capacity to represent national trauma. By applying contemporary trauma theory to these canonical works, the paper stands to illuminate previously underexplored dimensions of Maḥfūẓ’s narrative techniques and his profound engagement with the complexities of his country's history. This re-reading will undoubtedly offer fresh insights into how Arab literature grappled with the shattering impact of the 1967 defeat, cementing the enduring relevance of Maḥfūẓ’s oeuvre.

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