Manifestations of Social Conflict in the Novel “Adrakaha Al-Nesian” by Sanaa Shaalan. Based on Lewis Coser’s Theory

Many researchers and sociologists have sought to investigate social conflict, its phenomena, and its effects on human society. Coser, influenced by Marxist thought, emphasized that social conflict arises when incompatible goals—whether tangible or intangible—collide. Given the deep-rooted and consistent relationship between literature and society, literature is shaped by its social context. It can be said that every literary text represents a social experience and serves as a tool for evaluating society, which is responsible for identifying social confrontations and potentially preventing them. This novel addresses the concerns of orphans, the homeless poor, and societal reformers, portraying their tragedies and conflicts with society and those in power. Consequently, the researchers decided to employ a descriptive analytical method based on Coser's theory. Their goal is to analyze the conflicting representations within the text and their role in shaping social and ideological relations as well as the discourse governing the novel. The motivation behind this research stems from the belief that studying literature—especially novels—from a sociological perspective provides a new and accurate lens for analysis. One of the key findings of this research is that various types of contrasts exist in the text according to Coser's theory, with power playing a decisive role in real conflict. When the two protagonists realize they are distant from political decisions that affect their lives and have no stake in them, their tension with authorities intensifies, rendering their conflict increasingly unrealistic. Internal conflict also manifests through conflicting goals and beliefs within society, where self-interest becomes the primary objective.