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.