Arrested Development in Ibrahim Al-Humaidan’s A Hole in the Cloak of Night

Abstract

In Ibrahim Al-Humaidan's novel’s A Hole in the Cloak of Night, the journey to adulthood is troubled and incomplete, as the protagonist, Issa, embarks on a turbulent path of self-discovery, filled with obstacles and setbacks. The concept of "arrested development" symbolizes the complexities and challenges of growth faced by the protagonist. Societal expectations, personal conflicts, and emotional traumas hinder Issa's psychological and moral development. Instead of reaching a clear and stable adult identity, Issa experiences moments of arrested growth, forcing him to confront the limitations of his ambitions. This research paper discusses how Al-Humaidan portrays these moments of stagnation and how they shape Issa’s fragmented journey toward maturity. By focusing on key themes such as social rejection, spiritual crisis, and emotional trauma, the analysis seeks to reveal that the protagonist's failure to mature is not merely a personal shortcoming, but also a reflection of broader societal and psychological conflicts. Ultimately, this study presents a modern interpretation that demonstrates how these factors contribute to a narrative of arrested growth, complicating the traditional framework of the Bildungsroman.