Bridging Worlds: Thematic Parallels Between Han Kang’s Works and Arabic Literature

 

                            

The world of literature is a tapestry of diverse cultures, stories, and themes that often intersect in surprising ways. Though Han Kang, the celebrated South Korean author and 2024 Nobel Prize winner in Literature, is not directly influenced by Arabic literature, there are intriguing thematic parallels between her work and the literary traditions of the Arab world. This article explores how Han Kang's exploration of trauma, resilience, and poetic expression resonates with themes found in Arabic literature, drawing connections that transcend cultural boundaries. By examining these shared themes, we gain a deeper appreciation of how literature can reflect universal human experiences, even when originating from different cultural backgrounds.

Thematic Overlaps: Trauma, Resilience, and Human Experience

Han Kang’s literary works frequently deal with trauma, violence, and resilience—topics that are also prevalent in Arabic literature. This thematic convergence is not a result of direct influence but rather a shared response to human experiences of suffering, conflict, and the search for meaning.

1. Trauma and Historical Memory

One of the most prominent themes in Han Kang’s writing is the exploration of trauma and historical memory. Her novel Human Acts (2014) offers a harrowing portrayal of the Gwangju Uprising and its aftermath, using multiple perspectives to depict the individual and collective suffering caused by state violence. The narrative examines how traumatic experiences shape personal and communal identities, as well as the lingering effects of historical injustices.

In Arabic literature, similar themes of trauma and historical memory can be found. The works of Mahmoud Darwish, for example, often reflect on the Palestinian experience of displacement, exile, and collective suffering. In his poetry, Darwish gives voice to a community’s shared pain while also seeking to preserve cultural memory amidst ongoing conflict. Likewise, other Arab writers, such as Hanan Al-Shaykh and Elias Khoury, address the psychological and emotional toll of wars and displacement in their works.

While Han Kang's depiction of historical trauma is grounded in Korean history, and Arabic literature often reflects the experiences of the Arab world, both traditions use literature as a means to confront and process collective grief. The universality of these experiences allows readers from different cultural backgrounds to relate to the stories, highlighting the shared human need to remember and heal.

2. Resilience Amidst Suffering

Han Kang's writing often reflects a tension between despair and resilience. In The Vegetarian, the protagonist Yeong-hye's refusal to conform to societal expectations by giving up meat is a form of resistance against the oppressive structures around her. This act of defiance, though leading to devastating consequences, also symbolizes a struggle for autonomy and self-preservation in a world that demands conformity.

In Arabic literature, resilience is a recurring theme, particularly in stories that deal with the hardships of war, occupation, or social oppression. The resilience of individuals facing existential challenges is vividly portrayed in Naguib Mahfouz's works, especially in The Cairo Trilogy, where characters navigate the turmoil of political and social change. Similarly, Ghassan Kanafani’s novel Men in the Sun reflects the determination of Palestinian refugees to find better lives despite immense struggles.

Both Han Kang’s and Arabic literature’s portrayal of resilience amid suffering reveals the strength and vulnerability of the human spirit. Their narratives affirm that literature can serve as a space for resisting despair, confronting reality, and seeking transformation.

Poetic Prose and Symbolic Language: Stylistic Connections

Beyond thematic overlaps, there are stylistic similarities in the use of poetic prose and symbolic language, which are prevalent in both Han Kang's works and Arabic literature.

1. The Use of Poetic Language

Han Kang’s writing is characterized by its poetic quality, often blending prose with lyrical elements to evoke deep emotions. Her book The White Book (2016) is a prime example of this style, where the narrative is fragmented and poetic, using imagery of white objects (e.g., snow, swaddling clothes) to meditate on themes of loss and grief.

Arabic literature, particularly its classical poetry tradition, is similarly known for its rich and expressive language. Even in modern prose, the influence of poetry is evident. Authors like Nizar Qabbani have bridged the gap between poetry and prose, infusing their works with a lyrical quality that enhances the emotional depth of the text. The symbolic use of imagery, such as the metaphor of water in Darwish’s poems to signify both life and exile, parallels Han Kang’s use of color and nature to represent complex emotions.

2. Symbolism and Metaphor

Symbolism plays a crucial role in both Han Kang’s works and Arabic literature. In The Vegetarian, for instance, the protagonist’s transformation and rejection of meat symbolize her desire to detach from the violence embedded in her society. Similarly, in Human Acts, the recurring motif of the body serves as a metaphor for vulnerability and resistance.

Arabic literature also makes extensive use of metaphor and symbolism to convey deeper meanings. In Tayeb Salih’s Season of Migration to the North, the river Nile symbolizes the flow of history and the cultural exchanges between the Arab world and the West. Through these symbolic elements, writers can communicate themes that resonate on both personal and universal levels.

Existential Themes: Navigating Silence and Communication

Both Han Kang and Arab authors have explored themes of silence, communication, and existential struggles, often questioning the nature of existence itself.

1. The Silence in Greek Lessons and Arabic Narratives

Han Kang’s novel Greek Lessons (2023) delves into the experience of a woman who loses her ability to speak, exploring the implications of silence and the limits of language. The story reflects on how silence can be both oppressive and liberating, shaping human relationships and self-understanding.

In Arabic literature, the theme of silence is also prevalent, particularly in narratives dealing with repression or censorship. In Elias Khoury’s Gate of the Sun, silence serves as a powerful motif, representing the unspoken traumas of displaced Palestinian communities. Silence is not merely an absence of words but a space where unarticulated memories and emotions reside.

2. Existential Inquiry in World Literature

The existential questioning that characterizes Han Kang's work is echoed in Arabic literature's exploration of life, death, and the human condition. Authors such as Albert Cossery and Adonis have challenged traditional notions of existence, often reflecting on the absurdity and struggles inherent in the human experience.

These existential themes connect the literature of both traditions, allowing readers to explore profound questions about life's meaning, human suffering, and the search for identity.

Bridging Cultures Through Translation

While there isn't substantial evidence of direct Arabic influences on Han Kang's works, the thematic and stylistic connections between Korean and Arabic literature show how universal literary concerns can bridge cultural divides. The translation of Arabic literature into Korean and vice versa can create pathways for deeper cultural understanding, allowing themes of trauma, resilience, and existential struggle to resonate across languages.

As more works are translated, readers can find common ground in the stories told, recognizing shared human experiences despite different cultural contexts. This cross-cultural literary exchange enriches the global literary landscape, allowing for a more nuanced appreciation of both Korean and Arabic literary traditions.

Conclusion

Though Han Kang’s literary inspirations are rooted in Korean history and personal experiences, her work resonates with themes and styles found in Arabic literature. The shared focus on trauma, resilience, poetic expression, and existential questioning demonstrates the universality of these concerns. By drawing thematic and stylistic parallels, we can appreciate how literature serves as a tool for understanding, healing, and connecting across cultures.