Socio-cultural representation of clothes in Izz al-DīnJalāwijī’snovel: (Snakes’ Embrace)

Abstract

Colonial imperialist power operated in ways that marginalized indigenous cultures under the pretext of political and civilizational superiority. Counter-narratives emerged as a potent form of resistance, interrogating and challenging Western hegemony through the narrative reclamation of history. In this vein, Izz al-Dīn Jalāwijī’s novel stands as a salient example of contemporary Algerian literature that re-narrates history and folk culture through a postcolonial lens. The study examines the representation of clothing within the novel, positioning it as a complex symbol of socio-cultural identity and resistance. This narrative strategy not only subverts the colonial narrative but also critiques its central assumptions by re-centering local cultural symbols and practices. The analytical conclusion posits that the sartorial narrative within Izz al-Dīn Jalāwijī’s work serves as a strategic mechanism to displace the colonial "Other" and challenge the imposed narratives of cultural inferiority.