Al-Zaytuna: A note on Abu Qais and failed longing (Saad Hafeez)

Zaytun, or the olive tree, has been crafted as a powerful symbol in Palestinian memorial narratives. In the West Bank and GAZA, the symbol of the olive tree has long been established as one synonymous with a militant nationalism and a longing for the land. It was used by many nationalist movements to assert the legitimacy of Palestinian claims over Isreali land, as the olive trees can be found in many mountainous regions in the West Bank, having a truly ancient presence on the land (353). The olive trees, olives and olive oil are considered as precious commodities in the West Bank. Moreover, the heritage of communal seasonal harvests evoke images of the olive tree as conducive to family life, continuity of traditional farming practices, and generally ascribing a Palestinian identity to the land.

In Kanafani’s Men in the Sun, the symbol of the olive tree is repeatedly evoked by Abu Qais- a traveller who has no hopes of return but rather pushes further into the throes of exile. The heated conversation with his wife evokes two temporal modes of the olive tree- one of the past where he is scoffed for his longing for the “ten olive trees that you once owned in your village’ (27). While Abu Qais constantly tries to establish the connection with his past, the reality of the matter pokes fun at his longing. The temporal counterpoint is represented in his idea of establishing an ideal future. Apart from the discourse of the journey from Basra to Kuwait, the hopes of getting a job, stability etc etc- all these aspirations are again ensconced in the same symbol- “we’ll be able to send Qais to school and buy one or two olive shoots” (63). 

Therefore, the construction of an ideal future rests on the reconstruction of a romanticized past, connected together by symbols such as the olive tree.

Keeping with the general cynicism of the short story/novella, the olive tree symbol meets with the same defiance inasmuch as Abu Qais’ failure to construct any ideal future. His friend, Saad (YAY, ME), scoffs  at his naivety:

“…said there were no trees there. The trees exist in your head, Abu Qais, in your tired old head, Abu Qais. Ten trees with twisted trunks that brought down olives and goodness every spring” (26)

#sadtimes #noolivesforQais #Zaytunfail #Saadisright

Reference Used: Abufarha, Naseer. Land of Symbols: Cactus, Poppies, Orange and Olive Trees in Palestine. Identities: Global Studies and Politics 15:3 (Jun 2008) Pg. 343-368