Models of Humanitarian Issues in the Novels Children of Our Alley and Our Alley: A Comparative Analytical Study

Abstract

This study, entitled “Models of Human Issues in the Novels Children of Our Alley by Najib Mahfouz and Our Alley by Akram Osman: A Comparative Analytical Study,” examines major human issues in the two novels, identifying similarities and differences in their treatment and exploring the authors’ intellectual perspectives and artistic approaches. The study focuses on injustice, suffering, discrimination, freedom, and hope, which are prominent themes in both works. It employs comparative and analytical methods to examine relevant passages, characters, events, and dialogues, supported by a socio-literary approach that considers the social contexts depicted in the novels. The findings reveal that both authors address similar human concerns but differ in their thematic emphasis and literary techniques. Mahfouz places greater emphasis on freedom and justice, presenting these themes through symbolic realism, whereas Osman focuses more extensively on marginalization, class discrimination, imprisonment, and torture, reflecting human suffering in Afghan society. Furthermore, Mahfouz relies primarily on symbolism and indirect expression, while Osman adopts a more direct representation of social realities. The study highlights how shared human experiences are represented differently across distinct cultural and literary contexts. By comparing a prominent Arabic novel with an Afghan novel from Persian literature, the research contributes to comparative literary scholarship and enhances understanding of the diverse artistic and intellectual approaches used to portray universal human concerns.