THE AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL FORM IN THE ROAD TO MAKKAH BY MUHAMMAD ASAD
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL FORM IN THE ROAD TO MAKKAH BY MUHAMMAD ASAD
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2018-01
Authors
MOHAMMED, Safiyanu Sabiu
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis examines the structural configuration of the autobiography and how various components from its narrative structure to theme and textuality interact in creating the autobiographical form. The exploration of these elements and how they are juxtaposed in Muhammad Asad‟s The Road to Makkah reveals that the form is essentially structural. The thesis, therefore, looks at the juxtaposition of entities from these elements and how this spiritual odyssey derives its form and meaning from a series of complex binary oppositions. This is done through a qualitative analysis of the primary material and related secondary literature. The work presents the argument that the autobiographical form is essentially structural. It derives both its form and meaning from a succession of binary oppositions through which the autobiographer presents a story in relation to their lifetime. To this end, the thesis contends that in The Road to Makkah binary opposition forms the basis upon which the autobiographer deploys most of the autobiographical elements that give both form and meaning to the narrative. The thesis also maintains that of central importance in unraveling the autobiographical form is the understanding of the limitations placed upon the autobiographer by the presence of a narrative identity system with its expectations. The study also reveals that the narrative in The Road to Makkah is based on a multiplicity of binary oppositions through several mini-narratives set within a central narrative. Thus, the autobiographer uses binary opposition as the foundation upon which the story is built. It is through this system of binary relationships that Asad is able to constitute his narrative and present his life story.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND LITERARY STUDIES, FACULTY OF ARTS, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER IN ENGLISH LITERATURE,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA
Keywords
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL FORM,, ROAD,, MAKKAH,, MUHAMMAD ASAD