When Man is a Cause: The Undecidability of Belonging in Kanafani's Returning to Haifa

The focus of my article is on the undecidability Dov's/ Khaldun's identity throughout his conversations with Said X., 'biological father', along some significant selective semiotic referents in Ghassan Kanafani's novella Returning to Haifa. These aspects are highlighted elicit/ trace implied symbolism Palestine, land, and undecidability/ conflict its belonging critique (healthy self-criticism) submission Palestinians as being guilty ceding their land then keep crying restore it. has been previously tackled from a variety perspectives: parody, intertextuality, characterization, among others. However, key parts that show between father/ son, self/other, right/loss Dov/Khaldun X. To achieve article's goal, Derrida's conception employed indicate inability take decision due factors beyond focal character's, Dov/Khaldun, means. This state freeplay makes it impossible settle any side/identity. In case, indeterminate area biological Palestinian acquired Jewish identity. Given that, this view supplemented by other related philosophical such 'I', belonging, symbolic reflection Dov/ Khaldun: Jew/ Palestinian: Colonizer/ Colonized (both Man land). analyses reveal bewilderment vortex undecidable opens once Dov Iphrat Koshin, Israeli soldier, knows he was born Khaldun Said, citizen. words defensive attitude whereas behavior reflects pain truth, since moment, will not be able settle; Israel/ Zionists/ Palestinians, Colonized, Judaism/ Islam... Kanafani provides criticism Self, here. As 1948 escaped homes forsaking foreign occupation they (with Arabs Muslims) did nothing but waiting weeping. self healthy first step towards profoundly diagnosing problem, loss so find practical final solutions for problem.