War, Exile, and Identity Crisis in "Les Désorientés" by Amin Maalouf: A Narratological Study

Abstract

Objectives:  This article aims to describe the internal journey of Adam, who, after several years in exile, seeks to rediscover his identity and reconnect with his past in Lebanon.

Methods: This goal is achieved by following Gérard Genette’s narrative approach to analyze the story of Adam, the protagonist who returns to Lebanon after a long absence. The narrative consists of detailed scenes, memory summaries, and narrative pauses that allow Adam to reflect on his past and attempt to reconnect with his homeland and old friends. However, this quest clashes with the reality of the changes brought about by war and exile.

Results: The results are embodied in Adam’s return to Lebanon, which fails to achieve the hoped-for reconciliation. The reunion with his childhood friends proves disappointing, marked by misunderstandings, as both the country and Adam himself have changed irreversibly. Adam realizes that nostalgia alone is not enough to rebuild his connection to the past, leaving his identity fragmented and permanently scarred by war.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the novel shows that the past cannot be fully recovered, as exile and time alter both places and people. Adam, like other characters, remains "disoriented," torn between an idealized past and a difficult present. The narrative ultimately emphasizes the need to accept change and to shape one’s identity based on lived experience, rather than clinging to an irretrievable past.