RETHINKING NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND RESISTANCE WRITINGS IN GHASSAN KANAFANI’S RETURNING TO HAIFA: A DIASPORIC STUDY

Abstract

The concept of resistance holds significant importance in understanding the essence of human nature. This research centers on analyzing the oppression and resistance experienced by the colonized Palestinian population, specifically referencing Ghassan Kanafani's literary work Returning to Haifa. Kanafani discusses the hegemonies of Israeli hypocrisy, injustice, and colonialism. Kanafani contributes to the struggle for equality and dignity among oppressed Palestinian nations, regardless of whether the resistance takes on an overt or covert form. Covert resistance is considered to be more potent than overt resistance due to its ability to avoid the loss of valuable assets and lives, as exemplified by the unfortunate assassination of Ghassan Kanafani. While residing in Beirut, Kanafani extensively studies delivers lectures, and publishes works related to “Palestinian resistance literature”. Kanafani's literary works emerged as a response to “Zionist propagandist literature”, reflecting his opposition to its influence. This qualitative research uses textual analysis of the selected work to emphasize the characteristics of national consciousness and resistance, using the theoretical framework by Helena Lindholm Schulz, to understand the diasporic Palestinians continued yearning for a homeland. The author elucidates the significance of resistance within the context of oppressed and colonial Palestine, as it serves as a means for the nation to assert its rights and contributes to its ongoing struggle for equality and dignity. As a result, Kanafani examines the consequences of “Zionist propagandist fiction” and the cultural sway exerted by “Arabic Literature” in conjunction with the superior political and military capabilities, culminating in the hegemony of a single nation.