Abstract: The object of the study is the novel "The Last Day" by the Lebanese writer Mikhail Naimy. The subject of the study was the "dialectic of the soul" and "stream of consciousness", that is, techniques for describing the human condition borrowed from Leo Tolstoy masterpieces. For one day, the soul of Musa al-Askari overcomes severe suffering, it dies and is reborn in a new form. A small person turns into a strong personality. Psychological techniques for describing borderline human states, taken from Fyodor Dostoevsky, also helped the Lebanese writer to reveal the depths of the hero's personality. The scientific novelty of the article is that the Russian writers' techniques are found in the little-studied Arabic novel "The Last Day" that is an illustration of the Russian literature influence on Arab culture. For the first time in Russian literary study, this novel is analyzed from the "dialectic of the soul" perspective. The research was conducted on the basis of historical, literary, comparative methods, using scientific methods of observation and description, analysis and synthesis. As a result, it is noted that the novel narrative is organized according to the psychological realism, in which there is a psychological analysis passed through the stream of consciousness, an internal monologue and the dialectic of the soul. The authors conclude that Naimy took a humanistic approach and a special psychological manner of narration from Russian literature, including Tolstoy and Dostoevsky's works, to convincingly prove that a person is a fine–tuned mechanism, that kindness will save the world, and the secret of happiness lies in serving people. The practical significance of the research is that its results develop the topic of cultural ties between Lebanon and Russia. The article contributes to the development of Arabic literature, which remains poorly studied by Russian literary study.

Abstract: The subject of the study is the "world tree" concept, coined by the young writer from the United Arab Emirates, Al-Yazia Khalifa, “The Mango Tree” (2021). The authors are interested in this symbol interpretation. Using the example of an Arab family, the artist creates a picture of the quiet and measured life of Arabs in the province of al-Ain. Through the eyes of a little girl, she describes one sultry day spent in the house of her beloved grandmother, in whose yard a magnificent mango grows. The aspects of life of a large Emirati family are depicted – work, prayer, and meals. The methods of historical and systemic analysis allow the authors to prove that the mango tree is a symbol of the cycle of life continuity. A seed planted in the ground becomes a sprout of hope for a bright future and faith in the inviolability of the traditional family way of life. Cicadas chirping on a tree are the embodiment of the element of air. The fish that family members eat at dinner symbolize water, while cats in the yard represent fire. In the game, the heroine tames four natural elements, beating her fears. Thanks to the fragrant and juicy “king of fruits,” an atmosphere of comfort, prosperity and harmony is created in which several generations of the family grew up. That is why the little girl would not break away from their native roots and would follow their parents’ measured pattern of life.

Abstract: The subject of the study is the image of Hadi the Junkman, coined the modern Iraqi writer Ahmed Saadawi in the novel “Frankenstein in Baghdad” (2013). The author is interested how the residents of the Iraqi capital survive under American invention. The author presents the picture of the 2000-s years using the fate of the Baghdadis as an illustration. He describes numerous explosions in Baghdad and the consequences they had on its citizens future. The novelist compares the living conditions of ordinary people of the Batavia quarter and high-ranking government officials. The figure of a junk dealer Hadi al-Atak, who walks around the city in search of antiques and tells entertaining stories unites the people with different background. Being a trickster, a liar, or buffoon, old man has created an imaginary monster that fights against injustice and avenges the innocent people who died in terrorist attacks. The methods of historical and system analysis allow us to prove that in the era of formation change, the role of the trickster is becoming more important and modified. Shuttling between good and evil, the Junkman helps to smooth out conflicts and resolve disputes peacefully. Due to the breakdown of life paradigms, the trickster has a special function: he becomes the leading hero and saves humanity from evil, performing a Christological role. Taking the blame for the crimes of his brainchild “Whatsitsname” (Arab Frankenstein), sacrificing his life, the Hadi the Junkman brings peace and stability to the tired people of Baghdad.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the rituals and customs of the Omani people and their reflection in the novel “Celestial Bodies” by Jokha Alharthi. The author traces the changes that took place in the Sultanate of Oman. Life of the Omani people is depicted on the example of several generations of the large family of Abdallah ibn Sulayman of the Hilal. Comparison is conducted on the living conditions of provincial population, namely the village of al-Awafi and the capital Muscat. The problem is raised about people’s happiness in the technological era, and the topic of loneliness of our contemporary. The methods of historical and systemic analysis prove that the traditional structure of Omani society remains in rural areas. It represents a fusion of Islamic and African customs, Muslim and pagan beliefs. The description of engagement, wedding, childbirth, and funeral ceremonies creates a holistic picture of the life cycle of the Omani people. However, urbanization and technological development force people to move from the rural areas to cities and change their mentality. The protagonist Abdallah falls out of touch with his native land, changes his living condition, and reaches an impasse. Nourishing the memories of the pleasant past, they do not experience joy from the present. The novelty consists in the fact that the ethnographic research is conducted by the Professor of Sultan Qaboos University – Jokha Alharthi in form of a literary work. The scholar comes to the conclusion that due to shift of life paradigms, the senior generation of Omani people is experiencing a fateful moment. The way out of the crisis should be sought in the educated Omani youth, who does not want to blindly follow the customs of their ancestors and shelter themselves behind the adults. Youth of the XXI century does not fear difficulties and willing to make own decisions. Thanks to support of the family, London – the daughter of Abdalla – became a medical doctor. The audience is fascinated with discovering the culture of the Land of Frankincense through the prism of Jokha Alharthi.