Symbolism of Identity, Resistance, and Community in Samira Ahmed's 'Internment' During Conflict

Abstract

Literature is a vast and complex field of written expression that includes a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. At its core, literature is an art form that uses language to convey ideas, emotions, and experiences, offering a deep exploration of the complexities of human existence. Samira Ahmed's Internment is a thought-provoking work that explores a dark and oppressive future that targeted American Muslims in concentration camps only because of their religion. The main character, Leila Amin, finds herself in one of these camps and suffers from the loss of freedom and daily injustices that come upon her community. Symbolism uses symbols to convey deeper or figurative meanings in a literary work. The symbols can be a word, sign, object, or image whose meaning does not match its literal or implied meaning. Symbolism can represent abstract concepts such as love and death. Symbols can provide a more accurate understanding because they can convey complex ideas. In this research, the researcher applies the qualitative method by gathering data from text examination, investigation of behaviors, or interviewees.