Problématiques thématiques et procédés narratifs

Abstract

This dissertation deals the problematics of the themes and forms in Moroccan writer Fatima Mernissi’s tale Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a harem Girlhood. Starting from a thematic approach, and particularly the notion of theme as a “network of meanings”, we have endeavoured to unveil the character of Mernissi’s treatment of the concepts of harem and frontiers as well as her attitudes towards such issues that gravitate around them as tradition, religion and feminism. We have also highlighted Mernissi’s interest in the mythical figure of Scheherazade, the story-teller of the Thousand and one Night, and her relevance in the development of her themes. The second part of this work focuses on the narrative aspects of Mernissi’s writing. We have sought to underline another dimension of Mernissi’s writing notably the meeting of the structure of her text with the themes of her fiction. Particular attention has also been paid to Mernissi’s use of the oral tradition and Arabic vocabulary in her text and the relationship she maintains with foreign languages.