Identity and Hybridity Between the Original Text and Translation: The Case of “Thamar: The Jewess of Fez” by S. Benson

Abstract

The story "Thamar: The Jewess of Fez" by S. Benson addresses the themes of identity and hybridity within the context of Moroccan society. It narrates the journey of Thamar, a Jewish woman living in Fez, who faces various challenges related to societal acceptance and respect for her identity. Through analyzing this story, we discover how Thamar navigates her multifaceted identities and adapts to the social and religious pressures imposed upon her. The story illustrates the use of cultural and social hybridity as a means of adaptation and resistance, with Thamar adopting elements of Moroccan culture and benefiting from the support of different characters such as the European narrator and the Moroccan pasha. This short narrative reflects the complexity of identity and its formation through the continuous interaction between different cultures, enhancing our understanding of the dynamic and multifaceted nature of identity in colonial and postcolonial contexts.