Unravelling Dystopia in Dreams of Resurrection: Searching for Meaning Amid Chaos

Abstract

Amidst the global COVID-19 epidemic, there has been a growing surge in the popularity of dystopian literature, notably in the Arab world. This analysis delves into a unique piece of this literature, Ahlam Al Qeyamah (2018) by Egyptian writer Mohammad Gamal, translated as Dreams of Resurrection and released in 2021. This paper not only explores the dystopian characteristics included in the novel and their connection to the pandemic but also highlights the unique narrative style and thematic elements that set this work apart. The novel, which ignited substantial controversy in the Arab world, portrays a virus spreading in Egypt via tourists at an international airport. Gamal's narrative delves into the intricacies of a dystopian society, gradually unveiling its depths as the novel progresses. This paper presents the characteristics of classic dystopian writing as a structure for examination and offers a concise summary of the genre's evolution in Arabic literature. The discourse emphasizes shared components and discerns specific themes in Dreams of Resurrection. The results suggest that the work conforms to Erika Gottlieb's defining characteristics of dystopian literature, clearly placing it within the category. Furthermore, this interpretation emphasizes that dystopian literature does not support senseless suffering but instead aims to discover significance in a world devoid of meaning and to provide purpose among disorder.