AL-SAYYID MIN ḤAQL AL-SABĀNIKH: PERSONAL FREEDOM VERSUS MECHANICAL SYSTEM

This study deals with the issue of conflict between the programmed mechanical system and the rebellious human being against this system as reflected in the science fiction novel al-Sayyid min Ḥaql al-Sabānik (The Mister from the Spinach Field) by the Egyptian writer Ṣabrī Mūsā. The novel describes a society divided into classes, committees, centers and bodies run by a general system, which establishes a fixed daily program for everyone from the moment each person rises until they go to bed. Thus, the mechanical robotic human being becomes the master of the universe, while the real human being turns into a mechanical slave that obeys and performs without thinking. The hero of the novel, Homo, tries to break this programmed track because it nullifies citizens? creativity, negates their personal freedom within the concept of ?discipline?, and prevents them from following their whims. The tragedy of Man in the coming age lies in his acceptance of slavery imposed by the programmed system, while any attempt to escape it will be abortive and lead to loss and frustration.