Socio cultural aspects in the novels of Zuwainaal Kalbani an analytical study

Abstract

This thesis presents an analytical study of the socio-cultural aspects reflected in the novels ofOmani writer Zuwaina Al-Kalbani, focusing on the ways in which her narrative discourse engageswith Omani and broader Arab society. Through a close textual analysis of selected novels, thestudy explores how she represents social structures, cultural traditions, gender relations, identityformation, and the tensions between tradition and modernity. The research examines the depictionof family systems, social norms, class distinctions, and the evolving roles of women, highlightingthe novelist’s critical engagement with societal constraints and transformations in her four majornovels.The research thesis divided to four chapters. In the first part of the study defines the historicalbackground of Sultanate of Oman, emerging of Islam to Oman, rule of Portugal and Britain amongOman and Arabic literature in Sultanate of Oman. In the second part defined about the authorZuwaina Al-Kalbani’s life and contributions to Arabic literature, in the third part the analyticalstudy on her four major novels, “Saloos va thahveedha, Fee kahfil junooni thabdahul hikaya, Aljaouharathu val khubthan and Arvahu mushavvasha”, in the last part the study described aboutSocio-cultural aspects in her novels. By situating Kalbani’s fiction within its historical and culturalcontexts, the thesis demonstrates how her novels function not only as artistic expressions but alsoas cultural texts that reflect, question, and reinterpret lived social realities. Particular attention isgiven to narrative techniques, character construction, symbolism, and thematic patterns throughwhich socio-cultural issues are articulated.The findings reveal that Zuwaina Al-Kalbani’s novels offer a nuanced portrayal of social change,negotiating the coexistence of inherited traditions and emerging cultural values. Her workscontribute significantly to contemporary Omani and Arab fiction by foregrounding marginalizedvoices and engaging critically with issues of gender, power, and identity. The study concludes thatKalbani’s narrative project plays an important role in documenting and interrogating socio-culturaldynamics, thereby enriching the discourse of modern Arabic literature and Omani Arabicliterature.