This research paper, titled "Taha Hussein's Duaa Al Karawan Revisited in the Light of Ecofeminism," explores the profound ecological and feminist themes embedded in Taha Hussein's novel, Duaa Al Karawan, written in 1934. Despite predating the formal coining of the term "ecofeminism" by Françoise D'Eaubonne in the 1970s, Hussein's work remarkably anticipates and addresses the core tenets of ecofeminism. The paper delves into the interconnectedness between the oppression of women and the degradation of the environment, both attributed to patriarchal systems.
Taha Hussein, a prominent figure in Arabic literature (1889-1973), intricately weaves together the experiences of Arab women and the environmental context in his writings, challenging prevailing patriarchal norms and advocating for women's empowerment. Duaa Al Karawan stands out as one of the earliest Arabic novels to explicitly present ecofeminist themes, laying the foundation for discussions on equality and sustainability.
Examining Duaa Al Karawan through an eco-feminist lens, this study highlights how Hussein establishes an inseparable link between women, their surroundings, and the prevailing social structures in Egyptian society at the time. The title itself, along with Hussein's dedication to Abbass Mahmoud El-Akkad, underscores the novel's emphasis on the natural world. The nightingale symbolizes this connection, witnessing the protagonist's journey and serving as a voice for the repressed female protagonist. The narrative unfolds in three sections, addressing the identification of the protagonist with the nightingale, the oppression of women in patriarchal societies, and the themes of love and peace as sources of empowerment.