Folklore and Cultural Identity in Saud Al-Sanousi's The Bamboo Stalk
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31185/wjfh.Vol21.Iss3.1018Keywords:
folklore; folktale; The Bamboo Stalk; cultural identityAbstract
This study analyzes the role of folklore in reinforcing an individual's cultural identity during times of personal and social adversity. The study focuses on how Kuwaiti writer Saud Al-Sanousi presents the role of folklore in providing an insight of the cultural identity of different societies in his novel "The Bamboo Stalk" (2012), highlighting the cultural heritage of the Philippines and Kuwait. By examining the interaction between myths, customs, and folktales, this novel highlights the role of folklore as a mechanism for cultural continuity and resilience. The study demonstrates that these folk elements provide a sense of psychological stability and give characters a sense of belonging by dealing with complex issues, such as identity and alienation. The study concludes that folklore represents a personal and collective anchor that enables individuals and groups to confront and overcome frustration, alienation, and dispersion.
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