Introduction to Dr. Fahd Hussein
Dr. Fahd Hussein is a prominent figure in the Bahraini and Gulf literary scene, known for his critical practice in analyzing the literary experience of the Gulf through various vocabulary such as the sea, place, and female picture in women’s writings. He has authored several books, including "The Place in the Bahraini Novel", "The Shadow of the Story in the Gulf", and "Far from the Shadow – The Feminist Experience in the Gulf Region".
The Significance of the Sea in Gulf Literature
In his book "The Sea in Gulf Literature", Dr. Hussein explores the concept of the sea in poetic and narrative texts. He notes that the sea is often associated with connotations of generosity, serenity, lethality, beauty, and fear in poetry, whereas in narrative texts, it is depicted in its real connotations, such as floods, disasters, wars, and trade. The sea is a vital element in the Gulf region, and its presence is overwhelming in Gulf literature due to the region’s geographical location, professional relationship, and historical significance.
The Concept of Place in Bahraini Novels
Dr. Hussein’s master’s thesis dealt with the manifestation of place in Bahraini novels. He analyzed three Bahraini novels, "Al-Jawhah" by Muhammad Abdul-Malik, "The Song of Water and Sea" by Abdullah Khalifa, and "Die Bäleung" by Fawzia Rashid, to understand the concept of place and its opposite diets, such as public and private places, open and closed spaces, and modern and old structures. He concluded that the place is seen as an aesthetic and artistic technology that should be looked after by creators, critics, and researchers.
The Picture of Women in Gulf Literature
Dr. Hussein’s doctoral thesis focused on the picture of women in the new feminist novel of the Gulf. He noted that the situation has changed since his research, with new fictional works being published that show the transformations of women in a world full of development and modernization. However, he emphasized that the structure of society is still defective, and women’s roles are still limited.
Criticism and Literary Circles
Dr. Hussein’s explicit opinions have made him some "enemies" in literary circles. However, he believes that criticism has developed its concepts, terminology, approaches, and theories, and that critics should not be afraid to express their opinions. He notes that the Arabic writer is very sensitive to negative observations, but criticism is essential to improve the value of a work.
The Gulf Narrative and Male Guardianship
Dr. Hussein believes that the Gulf narrative has broken free from the "male guardianship" and has its own voice. The young novel authors and poets of both genders have moved away from traditional experiences and simulations, and every generation bears its own culture, knowledge, and goals. He cites examples of female writers who have made significant contributions to the Gulf literary scene, such as Fawzia Rashid and Fathia.
The Chronic Complaint about the Lack of Active Critics
Dr. Hussein acknowledges that there is a great paradox between the number of critics and creators in the Arab world. While the number of creators increases every year, the number of critics cannot keep up with the pace of new publications. He emphasizes that creators should appreciate real criticism, rather than impressionism or criticism of compliments, as it serves to improve the text and the writer.
