Hanna Mina Fragments of Memory Essay Example

Hanna Mina Fragments of Memory Essay Hanna Mina’s novel Fragments of Memory follows an unnamed, young boy in late 1930s French mandated Syria. Throughout the narrative, there are strong themes of gender and family, class struggle, and also influence of political and economic forces on people. Upon further analysis, it is apparent that this seemingly autobiographical novel tells us very true and intimate details about the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I. The once great Ottoman Empire has fallen into shambles of what was a mighty world power. It is a poor and seemingly helpless society that is facing the true devastating, effects of war, imperialism and an imbalance of power. It is evident that pressures from the French mandate after World War I have thrown the empire into a state of despair and the majority of its citizens are left to feel the impact. Not only are the common people of Syria disadvantaged by the French themselves, but also by the continuously growing upper class of Syrians who hold most of the power. In order to fully understand the political climate in Syria at the time, it is important to be aware of the terms established by the winners of World War I. The Sykes-Picot Agreement between the French and British left Syria under French control. This manipulative order was disguised behind the veil that the French would help the Ottoman Empire recover after their brutal loss in World War I. This led the charge of Faisal I, King of Syria, to change the positions of the French to allow Syria to continue self-government. Without surprise, Faisal found his pleas unsuccessful after the French ignored these demands. At this point, the fate of Syria was in the hands of the French. We will write a custom essay sample on Hanna Mina Fragments of Memory specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Hanna Mina Fragments of Memory specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Hanna Mina Fragments of Memory specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer An example of France’s control in Syria comes when he family begins to cultivate mulberry leaves to produce raw silk. This process is very difficult but they begin to understand it and actually make silk that could be sold.For the first time in the narrative, the family seem