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Abstract

This study discusses the concept of the body’s semantic forms and transformations in Moageb Al-Zahrani’s novel, ‘Dance’. It reviews the body’s manifestation as a source of value and power by considering standards such as colour, race and gender. According to these physical measures, an individual’s relationship with themselves and their surroundings is formed either in harmony or conflict. The study examines . the cultural semantics of the real and symbolic body through the forces influencing collective memory — religion and society. The study relies on the descriptive- . analytical method, with the assistance of the cultural approach, to analyse the body’s cultural background. The research has drawn several conclusions, the first being a . presentation of the concept of the body and its synonyms. In this regard, it gives preference to the icon of ‘body’ specifically because it is the most indicative of the living human body. Second, the research divides the body into two types based on . gender: female and male. Third, it reveals how a peasant reverences his body, . considering it a source of strength. Fourth, the research compares religious and social . value standards on the body. Fifth, the novel attempts to re-evaluate the perception . of marginalized characters in society and overcoming physical classifications that lead to racial discrimination between members of the same community. The most . . important recommendations are as follows: First, it is essential to study the development of the body's uses and its artistic levels in the Saudi novel, which is concerned with the specific and careful handling of this icon considered a religious and social sanctity that reduces cultural transformations that cannot be directly . declared. Second, it is recommended that focus be placed on the body’s masculine identity. This is because rarely do critiques deal with this physical identity. Third, it is . essential to focus on linguistic patterns and allegorical images that allude to physical characteristics and symbolise various cultural elements because they are stylistic . mechanisms that influence semantic formation.

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