The Struggle Values of the Main Character in Capharnaüm: A Greimasian Narrative Semiotic Analysis Assisted by Artificial Intelligence
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Contemporary Arabic literature, Capharnaüm, Capernaum, narrative semiotics, A.J. Greimas, struggle values, Artificial IntelligenceAbstract
This study investigates the struggle values represented by the main character in Capharnaüm as a work of contemporary Arabic cinema through A.J. Greimas's narrative semiotics supported by Artificial Intelligence. The study addresses two research questions: (1) how the film's narrative structure is constructed through Greimas's actantial model, functional structure, spatial–temporal isotopy, and semiotic square; and (2) how this structure represents the struggle values embodied by the main character. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the study analyzes dialogues, scenes, and narrative sequences using Greimas's framework, while Artificial Intelligence serves as an analytical support tool to verify interpretive consistency and strengthen analytical triangulation. The findings reveal that Zain's struggle is narratively constructed as a transformation from social exclusion toward the recognition of human dignity. This structure represents six struggle values: sacrifice, perseverance, respect, patience, cooperation, and unity, which collectively reflect human dignity, resilience, and social solidarity in contemporary Arab society. The study contributes to Arabic literary studies by demonstrating that narrative semiotics can reveal social values embedded in contemporary Arabic cinema while illustrating the methodological potential of AI-assisted qualitative interpretation.
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