Analytical Reading in Iraqi Prison Literature

Abstract

Iraqi prison literature is considered as a part of the Arab literary heritage that has not been adequately highlighted despite its importance for several reasons. In this study, our focus is on the literary analysis of this genre of literature to understand the impact of reading on it, and to uncover the reflections that may arise from this impact, as well as to explore the emotions and human aspects in the reading experience, leading to the establishment of a unique relationship between the reader and the text, which achieves the desired goal of interacting with the text. This interaction is achieved as a result of the reader being influenced by the deep content of the text, and the genuine emotions it reflects, without fabrication or exaggeration, thus contributing to highlighting the aesthetics of Iraqi prison literature. Therefore, some prose and poetical texts written by some writers during their periods of imprisonment were studied, as they presented their perspectives and personal experiences in confronting life inside the prisons, especially amid the difficult political circumstances they experienced during the second half of the last century, with the continuous changes in governance and political instability. Consequently, literature became their means of revealing their experiences and struggles effectively, and therein lies the true value of this type of literature, as it allows the reader to explore the depth of the text, extract its meanings and symbols, thus enhancing the role of reading in shaping and comprehending the text.