When reading Sahar Khalifeh's The Image, the Icon, and the Covenant, I was at once struck by the beauty of the language despite having gone through the process of translation. I could easily appreciate the novel as a work of art, and not only as an example of Palestinian Literature. I began reading the book in search of examples of life during the Palestine-Israel conflict, but what I found was the story of a man, who on a journey of self-discovery falls in love with a complex and mysterious woman.
The novel can be analyzed through feminist perspective while it challenges the patriarchal norm of Palestinian society. The protagonist, Ibrahim, has been robbed of a strong masculine identity beginning in his youth with his father's rejection of him as a son. To further this disempowerment, he chooses a profession in academics, and appreciates books over business.
When Ibrahim becomes infatuated with Mariam, he falls in love with her "image." He prefers the weak and depressed Mariam we see weeping over her brother's grave to the lively, passionate, and sensual woman she later proves to be. As the couple progress in their relationship, Mariam's money and sexuality further disempower Ibrahim, eventually causing him to reject her and their child. Later in life, Ibrahim continues his search for identity through his abandoned son, and possible heir; once again looking for empowerment through the practice of leaving a legacy by patriacrchal terms.
This book can be a valuable teaching tool at the advanced secondary or university level in a variety of ways. First, it creates sympathetic characters from a region that we do not always consider approachable. The story can teach a number of lessons about patriarchy and Palestinian culture that can also be compared to our own society. One could analyze the text through a feminist or Marxist lens, as well as read it to gain insight on the state of Palestine after Israeli occupation. It also brings up questions concerning the Palestinian conflict, such as questions about the priority of the personal versus the national, or awareness and culture versus armed revolution.
14 years ago
Sounds like a great piece of literature-- thanks for posting about it! From your description I found it particularly interesting how he was left by his father, and then ended up leaving his son as well, and his rejection of his wife as she asserted herself more as opposed to expressing only depression and weakness. I think this could really say a lot about the culture and society, or perhaps just the pressures this one individual feels obligated to live up to.
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