ANIMAL NARRATIVE AND ADAPTING IT'S TRADITIONS FROM AL-JAHIZ TO MICHEL MONTAIGNE

Abstract

This study is placed within the framework of the adaptation of the modern European narrative to the ancient narrative traditions in general and in particular the animal narrative. It first deals with what Al-Jahiz employed in his book (The Animal) from the traditions of ancient Arabic narration that were common and had its own system consisting of a set of inherited principles and rules. Secondly, it follows the special methods that Al-Jahiz invented in the field of animal narration and its relationship with humans, which left an impact on Arab and foreign writers forever. The Middle Ages and beyond. Thirdly, it specifies the ways in which the European writer, within the limits of the Renaissance era, employed these traditions and innovations, and we will exemplify this with the book (Essays) by the French writer Michel Montaigne, in terms of what he imitated from the ancient narrative traditions and what followed from Al-Jahiz’s methods in narrating animals on the one hand, or what he modified and invented on the other hand.