The Committee by Sonallah Ibrahim Review

“The Committee” by Sonallah Ibrahim is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into the themes of bureaucracy, authoritarianism, and the struggle for individual autonomy in the face of overwhelming state control. Written in 1981, during a time of significant political and social upheaval in Egypt, the novel offers a scathing critique of government oppression and the absurdities of bureaucratic systems. This article explores the historical context, plot, themes, characters, literary style, and the reception and legacy of “The Committee.”

Historical Context

Sonallah Ibrahim, born in 1937, is an influential Egyptian writer known for his politically charged and socially conscious works. “The Committee” was written during a period of intense political repression in Egypt, following the rise of President Anwar Sadat. After the assassination of President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1970, Sadat implemented a series of economic liberalization policies known as the “Open Door” policy, which aimed to attract foreign investment and modernize the economy. However, these policies led to widespread economic disparities, social unrest, and increased political repression.

Ibrahim himself was deeply affected by the political climate of his time. He was imprisoned from 1959 to 1964 due to his communist affiliations, an experience that profoundly influenced his writing. “The Committee” reflects Ibrahim’s critical perspective on the authoritarian state, exploring the impact of oppressive government policies on individuals and society as a whole.

Plot Summary

“The Committee” follows an unnamed protagonist who is summoned by a mysterious and powerful committee for an unknown reason. The narrative begins with the protagonist arriving at the committee’s headquarters, where he is subjected to a series of bizarre and arbitrary interrogations. The committee’s questions are often nonsensical and irrelevant, reflecting the absurdity and unpredictability of bureaucratic systems.

As the protagonist navigates the committee’s labyrinthine procedures, he becomes increasingly disoriented and frustrated. He is required to write a lengthy and detailed report on an obscure and seemingly insignificant topic, which he must present to the committee for approval. Despite his best efforts, the committee continually finds fault with his work, forcing him to revise and resubmit it multiple times.

Throughout the novel, the protagonist encounters a variety of characters who are also entangled in the committee’s web of bureaucracy. These characters include a former friend who has become a powerful committee member, a disillusioned academic, and a group of fellow citizens who are similarly oppressed by the system. Their interactions highlight the dehumanizing and alienating effects of bureaucratic control.

The novel reaches its climax when the protagonist, exhausted and demoralized, finally completes his report and presents it to the committee. However, instead of receiving approval, he is subjected to a final, humiliating interrogation that reveals the true extent of the committee’s power and the futility of his efforts. The novel ends on an ambiguous and unsettling note, leaving the protagonist’s fate uncertain and emphasizing the pervasive sense of helplessness and oppression.

Themes

Bureaucracy and Authoritarianism

One of the central themes of “The Committee” is the oppressive nature of bureaucracy and authoritarianism. The committee’s arbitrary and absurd procedures symbolize the dehumanizing effects of state control, where individuals are reduced to mere cogs in a vast and impersonal machine. The novel explores the ways in which bureaucratic systems stifle creativity, individuality, and autonomy, creating a society marked by conformity and fear.

Absurdity and Alienation

“The Committee” employs elements of absurdism to highlight the irrationality and absurdity of bureaucratic systems. The protagonist’s encounters with the committee are often surreal and nonsensical, reflecting the arbitrary and capricious nature of state power. This sense of absurdity underscores the protagonist’s feelings of alienation and disorientation, as he struggles to navigate a system that defies logic and reason.

The Struggle for Individual Autonomy

The novel explores the protagonist’s struggle for individual autonomy in the face of overwhelming state control. Despite the committee’s attempts to undermine his efforts and break his spirit, the protagonist remains determined to complete his report and assert his independence. This theme resonates with broader questions about the nature of freedom and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of oppression.

Power and Corruption

“The Committee” also delves into the themes of power and corruption. The committee members wield immense and arbitrary power, using it to manipulate and control the protagonist and other citizens. The novel critiques the corrupting influence of power and the ways in which it perpetuates inequality and injustice. The protagonist’s interactions with the committee reveal the pervasive and insidious nature of corruption in bureaucratic systems.

The Impact of State Control on Society

Through its depiction of the committee and its effects on individuals, the novel offers a broader critique of the impact of state control on society. The dehumanizing and alienating effects of bureaucracy are mirrored in the lives of the characters, who are trapped in a system that values conformity and obedience over creativity and individuality. The novel highlights the ways in which state control erodes social cohesion and undermines the human spirit.

Character Analysis

The Protagonist

The unnamed protagonist serves as the novel’s central figure, providing a lens through which readers experience the committee’s oppressive and absurd world. He is characterized by his determination and resilience, despite the dehumanizing and demoralizing effects of the committee’s procedures. His struggle to complete his report and assert his autonomy reflects the broader human desire for freedom and individuality in the face of oppression.

The Committee Members

The committee members are depicted as faceless and enigmatic figures, embodying the arbitrary and capricious nature of state power. Their interactions with the protagonist are marked by a sense of detachment and cruelty, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of bureaucratic systems. The committee members’ authority and control are contrasted with their lack of empathy and understanding, emphasizing the corrupting influence of power.

Secondary Characters

The secondary characters in “The Committee” add depth to the narrative and provide insight into the broader impact of bureaucratic control. These characters include:

• The Former Friend: A former friend of the protagonist who has become a powerful committee member. His transformation from ally to oppressor underscores the corrupting influence of power and the ways in which individuals are co-opted by the system.
• The Disillusioned Academic: A character who represents the intellectual and creative potential stifled by the committee’s control. His interactions with the protagonist highlight the alienating and dehumanizing effects of bureaucratic systems on intellectual life.
• Fellow Citizens: A group of characters who, like the protagonist, are entangled in the committee’s web of bureaucracy. Their experiences reflect the broader social impact of state control and the ways in which it undermines social cohesion and individual autonomy.

Literary Style and Techniques

Sonallah Ibrahim’s literary style in “The Committee” is characterized by its stark realism, absurdist elements, and introspective tone. These techniques serve to enhance the themes of the novel and create a powerful and evocative narrative.

Stark Realism

The novel’s stark realism is evident in its detailed descriptions of the committee’s procedures and the protagonist’s experiences. Ibrahim portrays the bureaucratic system in a vivid and unflinching manner, capturing the dehumanizing and alienating effects of state control. This realism serves to ground the narrative in a specific socio-political context, highlighting the oppressive nature of bureaucratic systems.

Absurdist Elements

“The Committee” employs elements of absurdism to highlight the irrationality and absurdity of bureaucratic systems. The protagonist’s encounters with the committee are often surreal and nonsensical, reflecting the arbitrary and capricious nature of state power. These absurdist elements underscore the protagonist’s feelings of alienation and disorientation, creating a sense of unease and tension that permeates the narrative.

Introspective Tone

The novel’s introspective tone provides insight into the protagonist’s thoughts and emotions, offering a deep and nuanced understanding of his character. Ibrahim’s use of internal monologue and reflective passages enhances the themes of alienation, autonomy, and the struggle for individual freedom, allowing readers to experience the protagonist’s internal journey.

Symbolism

Ibrahim employs symbolism to enrich the narrative and underscore its themes. The committee itself is a powerful symbol of state control and bureaucratic oppression, representing the dehumanizing and alienating effects of authoritarianism. The protagonist’s report and his struggle to complete it symbolize the broader human desire for autonomy and individuality in the face of oppression.

Narrative Structure

The narrative structure of “The Committee” is linear, following the protagonist’s experiences and interactions with the committee in a chronological order. This structure allows for a clear and cohesive narrative, while the protagonist’s introspective reflections add depth and complexity to the story. The use of a first-person narrative perspective provides an intimate and personal view of the protagonist’s world, enhancing the emotional impact of the novel.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its publication, “The Committee” received critical acclaim for its powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of bureaucracy and authoritarianism. The novel was praised for its stark realism, absurdist elements, and introspective tone, as well as its insightful exploration of complex themes.

Critics have lauded Ibrahim’s ability to capture the absurdity and oppression of bureaucratic systems, as well as his nuanced depiction of the protagonist’s struggle for autonomy. The novel’s themes of power, corruption, and the impact of state control on society resonated with readers, reflecting the broader struggles of individuals in authoritarian regimes.

“The Committee” has had a lasting impact on Arabic literature, influencing subsequent generations of writers and readers. The novel’s exploration of bureaucracy, authoritarianism, and individual autonomy continues to resonate with contemporary audiences, highlighting its enduring relevance and significance.

Conclusion

“The Committee” by Sonallah Ibrahim is a masterful exploration of bureaucracy, authoritarianism, and the struggle for individual autonomy. Through its stark realism, absurdist elements, and introspective tone, the novel offers a powerful and thought-provoking narrative that captures the complexities of human.