The harrowing of hell : existential aspects in Jabra I. Jabra’s the ship

Abstract EN

This paper studies Jabra I.

Jabra’s The Ship from an existential point of view.

It argues that the central existential motifs, like the confrontation with death, political and social commitment, revolt, quest for freedom, alienation, anxiety, despair and free choice, all preoccupy the characters and are hence pivotal to a better understanding of the novel.

The study shows that, with the exception of Wadi Assaf, the characters of The Ship sink into a state of inaction, quietism, and cynicism that render them helpless when confronting existence.

Wadi, on the other hand, is the only character who acquires the stature of the existentialist hero as he exercises an act of will and takes responsibility for his action.

Hence, in his action and commitment, Wadi transcends the state of inertia and passivity that permeates the world of the novel.