The dialectics of authority and the intellectual, the novel “Papa Sartre” by Ali Badr, is an example

Abstract

The inception of the novel, including the modern one, is deeply rooted in the literary style that is most pervasive and closest to the environment from which it originates, mirroring the societal fabric and reflecting the challenges of its time. The novel has established itself as a prominent presence in the literary landscape, making it an essential source for those who wish to study the realities, societal structures, and struggles of diverse communities, as well as the manifestations of progress and civilization within these societies. It evolves in tandem with the changing times, delving into the intricacies and the religious, intellectual, and class backgrounds that shape its characters. The Iraqi novel has, for example, borne witness to the nation's historical circumstances, responding to ideological and philosophical shifts that have significantly contributed to the development of intellectual orientations. These encompass nationalistic, Marxist, and existentialist perspectives, creating the intellectual foundation for the educated individual tasked with crystallizing these conceptualizations. The work of the intellectual carried the weight of bridging the gap between the colonialist's authority and injustice, the ruling elite, and the society's lag in terms of civilization. This study focuses on the theme of "Authority and the Intellectual in the Novel of Ali Badr's Debut Work" and explores how events evolved to the point where they incorporated these intellectual tendencies. In particular, it examines the intrusion of foreign concepts, terminologies, and customs into a society grappling with poverty, deprivation, backwardness, and the struggle with ideas introduced by the colonizers, either directly or indirectly through a group of intellectuals. The subject of intellectual authority is scrutinized, shedding light on the formation of these authorities, their political, religious, and ideological aspirations, all veiled under the cloak of knowledge. This forms the basis for Ali Badr's novel "Baba Sartre," his debut novel published in Beirut in 2021.