The Aesthetics of Temporal Anachronies in “The Poor Man’s Son” by Mouloud Feraoun: a Structuralist Approach

Abstract

 This research revolves around studying the fascinating temporal paradoxes that lend a unique beauty to the novel "Ibn Al-Faqir," reflecting an engaging narrative technique and enhancing the understanding of characters and events. The temporal paradoxes in the novel vary between shifting between the past, present, and future and a non-linear arrangement of events. These paradoxes are used to create tension and excitement in the story and shed light on the changes that occur to characters and societies over time. Temporal paradoxes in the novel can also serve as a means to explore concepts such as the present intertwined with the past or contemplation of an unknown future. These paradoxes contribute to expanding and deepening the scope of the story, engaging the reader in deciphering the facts and developments that occur in sequential time. Thanks to the temporal paradoxes, the narrative becomes rich in contradictions, infusing it with a dynamic and thrilling character that allows the reader to explore new horizons and experience a unique understanding of the relationship between time, place, and characters within the framework of a contemporary literary novel.