Barthes us a Structuralism influence on contemporary Arab critics

Abstract

One of the first things that strikes the reader upon perusing the works of contemporary Arab critics, writers, and scholars — across the fields of Arabic language, rhetoric, narrative, and criticism alike — is the remarkable abundance of references to Barthes’s theoretical propositions, whether through direct citation or through imitation as a foundational premise.  Those who follow Barthes tend to shelter under the canopy of his assertions, opinions, and theories, adopting his views and building upon them without independent critical intervention;  for Barthes's critical reputation has long preceded him, rendering him, then and now, a site of profound influence.

 This study aims to shed light on Roland Barthes's influence on contemporary Arabic criticism — particularly the reliance on his structuralist views, whether through direct transposition, free adaptation, or surface-level adherence to the text.  Barthes's writing is invoked and drawn upon in critical discourse whenever the need arises to address a literary question, or when the discussion falls within the domain of criticism proper.