Journal Article

Articulating the Subaltern

Al Dhaheri, Aysha Hamad

2025

Overview

In her short story collection Day of the Antelopes, Fatima Hamad Al Mazrouei offers a rich and nuanced depiction of Emirati society through a series of compelling narratives centered around female characters navigating life in a patriarchal environment. Throughout most of the stories, Al Mazrouei places women at the forefront, challenging the long- standing tradition in Arabic literature that predominantly reserves leading roles for male characters. Within the framework of modern feminist criticism, this paper contends that Al Mazrouei endeavors to amplify the silenced voices of women and expose the harmful effects of patriarchal dominance, which has historically suppressed them. By analyzing selected stories from the collection, the paper highlights the author's critique of anti- female biases embedded in a male- centric culture. Overall, the study shows how women have suffered marginalization and victimization in societies marked by ignorance, superstition, and a deep- rooted belief in male superiority. Looking back at the historical status of women in the UAE, Al Mazrouei challenges traditional norms that seek to exclude and belittle women by stripping them of their fundamental rights. The paper also explores key socio- historical themes, elements of folklore, and feminist perspectives linked to local cultural heritage to underscore Al Mazrouei's stark portrayal of the injustices faced by women in Emirati society.

• Publisher: جامعة أسيوط - كلية الآداب
• Subject: الإمارات / التراث الثقافي / السرد الأدبي / القصص القصيرة