An Exploration of Moorish Protagonists in Shakespearian and Postcolonial Contexts

Dr. Atef Laouyenes' critical essay offers a profound analysis of the portrayal of Moorish protagonists in Shakespeare's Othello and Tayeb Salih's Season of Migration to the North. By examining these works through the lens of comparative literature, Laouyenes provides a nuanced understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that shape the representation of diverse characters. This essay aims to delve into the similarities and differences between these two literary works, particularly focusing on the way in which Salih's narrative reinterprets and challenges the traditional stereotypes established in Shakespeare's play.

Portrayal of Moorish Characters in Shakespeare's Othello

Shakespeare's Othello has long been a subject of critical scrutiny for its portrayal of Othello, a Moor who commands the respect of his fellow Venetians but ultimately succumbs to prejudice and jealousy. Laouyenes begins by examining how Shakespeare's Moorish protagonist embodies the Renaissance stereotype of the exotic and dangerous Other. Through Othello's tragic end, Shakespeare reflects the anxieties of Elizabethan England concerning racial and cultural differences.

Tayeb Salih's Reimagination in Season of Migration to the North

In contrast, Tayeb Salih's Season of Migration to the North provides a more complex and postcolonial representation of a Moorish character. The narrative centers on Mustafa Saeed, who, like Othello, is an outsider in his community but is portrayed with greater depth and humanity. More importantly, the narrator's perspective adds another layer of complexity, challenging readers' expectations and highlighting the postcolonial condition.

Comparative Themes: Identity, Hybridity, and Resistance

Laouyenes argues that Salih's novel employs a post-exotic appropriation of Shakespeare's play. By using familiar exotic elements, Salih subverts Western reader expectations and reveals the realities of the postcolonial condition. The essay unearths the thematic connections between these works, particularly in how they explore issues of identity, hybridity, and resistance.

Identity and Hybridity

The theme of identity is intricately woven through both texts. In Othello, identity is often linked to ancestry and race, with characters like Iago exploiting these differences to perpetuate their own malicious schemes. In Season of Migration to the North, Mustafa Saeed's hybrid identity as both an African immigrant and a European-educated individual complicates his place in Sudanese society. Laouyenes contends that Salih's narrative encourages readers to rethink the rigid boundaries of identity in a postcolonial world.

Resistance and Subversion

The character of Mustafa Saeed in Season of Migration to the North embodies a form of resistance against the oppressive forces of colonialism and its aftermath. Through his experiences, Salih critiques the assumptions and biases that have plagued both colonial and postcolonial societies. By challenging these narratives, Mustafa Saeed represents a voice of resistance that challenges the status quo.

The Critical Lens of Comparative Literature

Laouyenes' essay not only provides a comparative analysis of these two works but also offers a critical lens on cultural and literary discourse. The essay suggests that comparative literature can serve as a powerful tool for understanding the complex interplay between different cultural and historical contexts. By examining these texts in conversation with each other, readers and scholars can gain a deeper appreciation of how literature reflects and shapes our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, the portrayal of Moorish protagonists in Shakespeare's Othello and Tayeb Salih's Season of Migration to the North offers an invaluable opportunity to explore themes of identity, hybridity, and resistance. Through the lens of comparative literature, Laouyenes' essay highlights the ways in which these works challenge and subvert traditional stereotypes, providing a more nuanced and compassionate portrayal of Moorish characters. This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the historical and cultural contexts in which these narratives are situated, offering readers a richer, more insightful read.