The Strategy of Disruption and Innovation in Arab Heritage: The Dreams of Al-Waharani as a Model

Abstract

This research explores transgression and creativity strategies in Arabic satirical heritage, focusing on "Al-Manam Al-Kabir" by Ibn Mahrez Al-Wahrani as a key example. Set in the Mamluk era, it examines how satire engaged with socio-political realities. The study analyzes narrative transgression through real and imagined journeys and linguistic transgression via poetry-prose blending and wordplay. It highlights ironic paradox as a tool for deconstructing norms and explores imagination and dreams as alternative perspectives on reality. Using a pragmatic approach, it investigates how context shapes satire and satirical speech acts relying on implication. Additionally, it employs the archaeology of transgression to uncover Al-Wahrani’s innovative narrative techniques. Ultimately, the research reveals how satire transcended entertainment to critique and reconstruct reality.