Manifestations of Humanization in Pandemic Discourse in the Novel A Man Pursued by Crows by Youssef Al-Mohaimeed

Abstract

This research investigates how humanization functions as a rhetorical and stylistic device in the pandemic discourse of Youssef Al-Mohaimeed’s novel A Man Pursued by Crows. The study explores how the author anthropomorphizes various non-human elements—such as abstract concepts, inanimate objects, and animals—as well as paratextual components, to portray the psychological and societal effects of the pandemic. Through this lens, the pandemic is not merely a backdrop but becomes an animated force that haunts, stalks, and preys upon humanity. Structured into a preface and three sections, the study first introduces the concept of humanization, then analyzes its use in paratexts, abstract notions, and finally material and animal elements. The findings suggest that humanization plays a key stylistic and thematic role in the novel, enhancing its expressive power and symbolizing the pervasive and intimate threat posed by the pandemic. Moreover, the narrative’s use of this technique not only enriches the literary representation but also aligns with a broader vision of literature as an ethical and constructive force in society, warning against the dangers of pandemics and advocating for collective responsibility and social awareness.