Naguib Mahfouz, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, revolutionized the world of Arab storytelling. Neither the novel nor the short story were common forms of expression until Mahfouz's works became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. His writing is unique, both in Arab culture and in the world of narrative in the broad sense, in that it often has no definable protagonist and reads like a series of short stories that come together to form the work as a whole. Midaq Alley, translated into English for a 1966 release date, is a phenomenal example of these writing styles; each character has the same importance and the reader discovers them gradually, like a soap opera, through a myriad of points of view on their individual lives, their dialogues and their interactions. Midaq Alley, an alley isolated from the bustling streets of Cairo, functions as its own microcosm of Egyptian society. In the same way that some actors in a soap opera spend more screen time than their counterparts, Mahfouz chooses the characters he writes about most frequently with deep intention. Due to their brief vignettes, "secondary" characters are created in a very focused manner through the use of tight diction and varied syntax. A good example is Zaita, an alley dweller, whom Mahfouz reveals sporadically and impulsively.Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayZaita is one of the most intriguing members of the alley, as it is incredibly difficult to discern his purpose in the alley at at first glance, or even at second glance. It is only through careful observation and analysis that its role is revealed. Naguib Mahfouz, in his novel Midaq Alley, writes the character of Zaita as a representation of “Id”. The “Id” is a concept invented by Sigmund Freud (The Encyclopedia Britannica). The psychoanalytic theory behind the id states that the human psyche can be divided into three distinct parts, with the id being the section responsible for people's most primitive and instinctive actions, and is often repressed in favor of the ego and superego (the two most “civilized” aspects of the human psyche). Naguib Mahfouz explores this theory through his character Zaita, and uses this expression of the primal and intuitive to subtly critique the general perception of what civilization is and should be, while simultaneously demonstrating the vitality of the Id as a human characteristic and as a component. of society as a whole. In the majority of progressive civilizations, there is a tacit repression of primacy. Modern civilization is built on the concept of withdrawal from instinctive and selfish behaviors; Midaq Alley comments on the importance of civilization and the individuals that make up a society. Mahfouz shapes the character of Zaita as a masterful personification of this animal element of society. Zaita makes her first appearance seven chapters into the novel, when Mahfouz writes; “On the floor, almost directly under the small window, is piled something which differs in no way from the floor of the room in color, dirt or smell, but which has limbs, flesh and blood, and who therefore deserves, despite everything, to be called a human being. By employing sensory imagery, appealing to the olfactory and visual senses, Mahfouz creates a feeling of repugnance in the reader. He responds directly to his demand with the final sentence: his diction of words such as "merit" and "despite" displays the message that although the id is odious in every sense, it nonetheless remains a crucial aspect of humanity. The Encyclopedia Britannica describes the Itas “the psychic domain containing content related to the body's primitive instincts, notably sex and aggression.” Mahfouz chooses to show very little of Zaita, her rare appearances reflecting the reluctance of alley society to confront this part of itself. In his few passages, however, Zaita is described as reeking of concupiscence, selfishness and unpredictability. For example, in a conversation with Husniya, the owner of the house in which Zaita resides, he says: "How can you expect a bastard to guard against these sins [casual sex] of his father unknown ? Here, Mahfouz's message is clear: Zaita lives impulsively, seeking pleasure like his ancestors before him, unapologetically following the path that nature has laid out for him. Husniya then threatens to break her neck, to which Zaita responds, “Maybe it would be delicious too.” » The Id is interested in the beauty of violence, finding pleasure in the most heinous acts. Following this exchange, a “fit of violent passion” seized Zaita, and he would remove his dirty clothes in order to seduce Husniya. Mahfouz writes: “He felt that he had what he wanted and that Husniya would do what he wanted. » This impulsive behavior characterizes Zaita, displaying an animal side of humanity that few people are willing to recognize. Although Husniya has been more than happy to play along with Zaita's flirtation up to this point ("her pleasure and the way she listened to him delighted him"), when all the niceties are stripped away and her true intentions are revealed, she is pushed back and throws a cup. at Zaita, wounding him. Mahfouz wishes to demonstrate to the reader the attraction of the Id and the simultaneous rejection of its desires by human society. One of the most intriguing aspects of Zaita's character is her attitude towards her surroundings. Mahfouz writes: “He had almost nothing to do with the alley in which he lived. He didn't need anyone, nor anyone for him. This line in itself is fascinating because it demonstrates Zaita's detachment: he physically exists in the alley, but remains in his own reality; he does not contribute to the community, but nevertheless reaps the benefits of their civilization. The following sentence, however, is extremely revealing of its function: “Except, of course, for the fathers who used its image to frighten their children. » In the same way that parents warn against the exclusive pursuit of pleasures (giving in to the id), the parents in the alley use Zaita's example to dissuade their children from a life like hers. Despite the revolting picture Mahfouz paints of Zaita's lifestyle, there is a certain appeal in his face. Of all the characters in the alley, Zaita is the only one to achieve a true form of happiness. Other characters, like Hamida and Kirsha, have high expectations and extravagant lifestyles which ultimately lead to their downfall. Zaita's life, although used as a warning and condemned by those who believe they are above him, is the most fulfilling. Mahfouz uses Zaita to occasionally present the audience with an aside, such as this sentence in which he says: "Which of us is not first welcomed into the world as a kind of species, and then transported wherever the misfortune decrees it? It is one of nature's wisest betrayals. If this were to show us first what lies ahead, we would all refuse to leave the womb. These short but poignant remarks show the importance Mahfouz places on the Id: the deep sense of respect he has for human nature, despite all its repugnant and disgusting qualities. Zaita is ignored by the rest of society and yet she has wisdom to offer. The id is repressed at every imaginable turn,.