Unearthing Literature: The Case of Hussein Barghouti

Omari, H. (2019)

Doctoral Thesis

This dissertation moves beyond the usually imposed representative nature of Palestinian literature by taking the works of the Palestinian author Hussein Barghouti (1954- 2002) as a case study. Many of Barghouti’s writings were seen as detached, individualistic, and unrelated to the harsh and pressing realities of Palestinian life. The argument that is proposed in this dissertation, however, is that Barghouti’s works exemplify a disruption of familiar expressions regarding notions of political engagement, illness and death, and literary innovation. The dissertation adopts the body as a thematic trope and a methodological framework for conceptualizing Barghouti’s calls for creative modes of writing and cross- generic experimentations

• Modern Palestinian literature
• Hussein Barghouti
• The body
• Commitment
• Illness and pain
• Literary creativity

• All authors: Omari, H.
• Supervisor: Sijpesteijn, P.
• Co-supervisor: Elmarsafy, Z.
• Committee: Alphen, E. van; Ouyang, W.; Leeuwen, R. van; Webb, P.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Institute for Area Studies (LIAS), Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University
• Date: 2019-10-29