The Impact of French Literature on Early Arabic Fictional Works (Translated Works - New Works)

Prof. Souad Al-Mashat Al-Sayegh

This research paper addresses the historical and literary relationship between French and Arabic literature since the beginning of the 19th century, highlighting the influential role of French literature in the emergence and development of the Arabic novel. The author examines key academic inquiries regarding the origins of the novel, the impact of educational missions, and the role of early journalism in translating and disseminating French fiction. Furthermore, the study analyzes manifestations of this literary influence in early translated and original Arabic novels (such as those by Al-Tahtawi, Al-Shidyaq, and Haykal), historical fiction (such as Jurji Zaidan's works), and the subsequent reflection of French literary and philosophical movements (such as Existentialism, Absurdism, and Realism) on modern and contemporary Arabic novels across the Arab world.

French Literature, Early Arabic Novel, Comparative Literature, Literary Translation, Literary Movements, Novel Criticism