Mysticism in the Short Story Hadalish by Musa Rahum Abbas: Analysis of Georg Lukács' Social Realism

Abstract

This research aims to analyse the short story Hadalish written by Musa Rahum Abbas through Georg Lukács's theory of social realism. With the help of this approach, we can investigate the components of mysticism as a criticism of social injustice and power dynamics within the context of the interaction between tradition and modernity. This research uses a qualitative descriptive technique, incorporating an in-depth investigation of the literary text through reading and taking notes. The four components of Lukács's social realism that serve as the foundation for examining the facts are objective reality, dialectical motion, artistic reflection, and critical expression. The primary source of information is the brief narrative titled Hadalish, which is reinforced with theoretical references and includes other works. According to the study's conclusions, the mysticism present in this short narrative functions as a powerful instrument of producing social criticism. The story depicts the conflicting dynamics between the hamlet, which is filled with myths and the city that portrays itself as a symbol of modernity. The conventional authority and the preeminence of modern power are both subjected to criticism through the utilisation of mystical components. To illustrate creative reflection, Hadalish is shown as a metaphor for social struggle. The relevance of literature as a medium for incisive social criticism is highlighted because this brief narrative, when read through the lens of social realism, reveals social injustice and provides an enlightening perspective.