DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2706-6185/48/82-93
Sihamdi Barkati
Mohamed Boudiaf University of M’sila
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7949-8141
sihamdi.barkati@univ-msila.dz
Amar Alioui
Mohamed Boudiaf University of M’sila
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5157-3874
amar.alioui@univ-msila.dz
Ali Houiche
Mohamed Boudiaf University of M’sila
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3470-8221
houiche.ali@univ-msila.dz
Historical Figures in the Algerian Novel: Roles and Representations
The Novel "The Prince" by Wassini Al-Araj
Abstract
Roles and representations are two crucial elements in the construction of the historical novel, as they determine how characters interact with events and contribute to conveying the writer’s intellectual vision across eras. The historical novel does not merely recount facts; it adds psychological and social dimensions to the characters, making them more vivid. Through representation (i.e., portraying the character as imagined by the author), the novelist reshapes historical heroes with traits that may differ from official narratives, adding dramatic depth and enabling readers to empathize with them as individuals rather than as abstract symbols. This article explores these aspects using the semiotic approach to understand representations and historical roles, aiming to depict events and preserve the narrative texts from a semiotic perspective.
Keywords: Representations, historical roles, historical novel, semiotic approach, fictional character