Metaphors of Invention and Dissension

This book examines the interplay of aesthetics and politics in postcolonial Algerian literature, focusing on works by Tahar Djaout and Rachid Mimouni in Metaphors of Invention and Dissension.

In Metaphors of Invention and Dissension, the intricate relationship between aesthetics and politics is explored through the lens of postcolonial Algerian literature. The author, Rajeshwari S. Vallury, delves into six novels by two prominent Algerian authors, Tahar Djaout and Rachid Mimouni, both of whom write in French. This examination reveals how these literary works serve as a platform for engaging with democratic ideals, highlighting the conscious and rational efforts of postcolonial writers to address the complexities of democracy in their narratives.

Vallury argues that postcolonial literature is not merely a reflection of societal issues but an active participant in shaping discussions around democracy and civic life. The metaphors employed in these texts create a space for dissent, allowing for a critical examination of the principles that underpin a shared existence. Through the power of poetic language, literature becomes a tool for regenerating thought and action, emphasizing its role in the political landscape.

In the context of Algeria, where military rule and radical Islamism pose significant challenges, the revolutionary spirit of the people persists. Metaphors of Invention and Dissension illustrates how the quest for national identity, universal human rights, and philosophical pluralism continues to thrive in the face of adversity. By staging the nation as a site of equality and civility, this book underscores the dissonance inherent in the pursuit of democracy within postcolonial settings.