Analyzing the components of migration literature in the novel Chahe Babel by Reza Ghasemi

Immigration literature in our country has recently garnered attention from literary critics, particularly following the Islamic Revolution. Reza Ghasemi is one of the writers who emigrated to France after this pivotal event and produced his works there. His experiences in France, coupled with the inevitable hardships of living in exile, imbue Ghasemi's fictional works with significant elements of immigration literature. This article analyzes the components of immigration literature in Ghasemi's novel "Chah Babel" using an analytical-descriptive approach. The research findings indicate that the lives of the narrator and other Iranian characters are fraught with suffering, much of which stems from their encounters with a foreign culture. These characters struggle to abandon their native culture and fully assimilate into French society, leading to unusual behavioral and psychological responses, such as identity confusion, depression, and feelings of inferiority. Some of the most important components of immigration literature in this novel include identity crisis and alienation, marginalization, nostalgia, the fluidity of time and space, imitation, acculturation and adaptation, self-criticism, comparison, activism, and passivity.
Introduction:
Migration is an integral aspect of the lives of many individuals, influenced by various sociological and psychological factors. It increasingly impacts the soul, psyche, and worldview of people. One of the fields that vividly reflects the experiences of migration and exile is literature. Literary works stem from the human subconscious and, therefore, often transcend conventional conservatism, openly portraying the elements and signs of migration, as well as the suffering and challenges of life in a foreign land. The specific themes and atmosphere that have consistently characterized literary works created in exile have given rise to the genre of migration literature. Extracting the components of migration literature from a literary work necessitates a thorough analysis of the text based on the criteria established by critics in this field. In Persian literature, the narrative form, with its breadth and diversity of subject matter, as well as its unique qualities compared to other literary genres, has more effectively captured the elements of migration literature. Among Iranian authors, Reza Ghasemi stands out as an immigrant writer whose fictional works embody the characteristics of immigration literature. In this context, the novel Chah Babel prominently features elements of immigration literature, evident in its themes of exile, the symbolism of its characters, and the incorporation of mythological motifs, such as the descent into the underworld.
Methodology:
The article is composed in an analytical-descriptive style, utilizing library resources. The elements of immigration literature, which serve as the primary criteria for analyzing the novel, have been gathered from credible sources. The study and annotation of the novel's text have been conducted with reference to existing research in the field of mythology, reflecting the author's metaphorical perspective on mythical themes.
Results and Discussion:
Creating literary works, particularly novels, is a prevalent method in contemporary society for expressing the thoughts and worldviews of writers. Through novel writing, contemporary authors not only aim to provide entertainment but also seek to convey their intellectual styles and ideas through the power of language. The reflection of immigration literature within a literary work is often not a matter of choice; rather, it stems from the writer's life experiences in a specific environment that profoundly influences their thoughts and emotions. As a result, their intellectual style and worldview gradually evolve, impacting their mindset, writing, and overall expression. Reza Ghasemi, an Iranian writer residing in France, exemplifies this phenomenon. His fictional works are imbued with thoughts and feelings shaped by the elements of immigration. Due to the hardships associated with displacement, Ghasemi has crafted novels that resonate with a sense of despair and explore themes of identity crisis. These elements are particularly evident in his novel Chah Babel, a mythical narrative (the story of Harut and Marut to illustrate the descent of fictional characters into an unfamiliar world. The theme of suffering due to immigration emerges as a dominant motif in the novel. The experience of living in a foreign country, such as France, torments the souls of the Iranian characters, including the narrator. He finds himself unable to forget the memories, traditions, and values of his homeland, nor can he fully adapt to or embrace Western culture. This duality and sense of limbo give rise to complications such as identity crisis, depression, confusion, and feelings of worthlessness, all of which manifest in the narrator's behavior and speech.
Conclusion:
An examination of the themes and elements of the novel Chah Babel reveals that it belongs to the category of immigration literature. The novel not only conveys a pervasive atmosphere of homesickness and despair but also incorporates key components identified by critics of immigration literature. Ghasemi frequently draws upon myths and historical narratives in his fiction, and in Chah Babel, inspired by the myth of "Harut and Marut. he explores significant themes of immigration literature, including identity crisis, alienation, marginalization, nostalgia, the fluidity of time and space, imitation, acculturation, adaptation, self-criticism, comparison, activism, and passivity. The characters in the novel frequently grapple with conflicting values and identity crises, struggling to adapt to a foreign world that fundamentally alters their sense of home. Through the use of mythical themes, Ghasemi provides a sociological perspective on the challenges of life in an unfamiliar land. This profound and intricate interpretation can be applied to the human experience as a whole. Ghasemi posits that the lives of all individuals reflect the mythical narrative of “Harut and Marut,” suggesting that from the moment a person enters the world, they are ensnared in their own dualities and internal contradictions. Ultimately, this struggle prevents them from attaining happiness, leaving them trapped in a cycle of despair and futility. In general, the atmosphere of the novel is permeated by despair and hopelessness, reflecting the bitter history and fate of its characters. None of the characters can escape their grim destinies, and all are compelled to navigate their lives in a state of suspense.