Writing Homeland: Representing Egypt in Selected Poems by American Poets of Egyptian Origin

Abstract

This study sheds light on selected poetry by four Egyptian-American poets, Maged Zaher, Pauline Kaldas, Matthew Shenoda, and Suzy Kassem. These four poets share many thematic and aesthetic features in spite of the differences in their personal and professional background. They belong to different generations of immigrants: Zaher and Kaldas were born and lived for a period of time in Egypt, while Shenoda and Kassem were born and raised up in the United States. They belong to opposite genders: two males and two females. They believe in different religions: Kassem is a Muslim, while the other three are Copts. The poetry analysis throughout the dissertation questions the effect of such differences on their representations of Egypt.

Chapter one “Nation, Nationalism, and Transnationalism: Theories and Perspectives” opens with introducing the terms “nation” and “nationalism.” The study provides various definitions and interpretations for both terms as explored by significant critics and intellectuals. Throughout such definitions and interpretations, common key-concepts are highlighted: territory, history, culture, heritage, origins, authenticity, memories, sentiments, economy, unity, and political destiny.

Two contradictory sides of nationalism have been investigated. The bright side emerges when feelings of dignity thrust citizens to seek national independence. Therefore, they resist colonialism or protest against dictatorial regimes. The gloomy side of nationalism has also been inspected; nationalism 297

is dangerous in some cases. Sometimes, it leads to the exclusion of the other, discrimination, and antagonism that sometimes develop into violent attacks. Nationalism, therefore, proves to be idealistic in concept and a failure in practice, on several occasions.