Patters of Otherness and the Representation of Feminine "Other" in Saïd Khatibi's The Book of Sins

Abstract

This study aims to explore the narrative corpus of the Algerian literature with a special
focusing on The Book of Sins by the Algerian young novelist Saïd Khatibi. The research delves
into the issues raised within the text in a quest for uncovering the embedded cultural patterns
and the representations of the feminine “Other” in the novel. The essay endeavours to expose
the cultural nuances, otherness patterns, and reveal the representation of the feminine Other in
the narrative. The study investigates how dominant powers direct the feminine Other towards
a path fraught with risks, contradictions, psychological and social conflicts. By employing
cultural criticism and its procedural tools, the research aims to develop an interpretative
approach that begins with understanding the self, extends to understanding the Other, and
concludes with comprehending the text that is open to multiple readings. The findings suggest
that the feminine Other is controlled by the various authorities, and that the social institution
fails to contain the margin. Additionally, it can be concluded that the dominance of the centre
over the margin and the failure of the feminine Other to transition to the center are evident
themes within the narrative