An Agambenian Reading of Bare Life in Katouh’s As long as the Lemon Trees Grow

Abstract

This research examines the sufferings of children during periods of war by using the theory of bare life given by Agamben, focusing on the concept of bios and zoe explained in his book Homo Sacer: Sovereign Power and Bare Life. The study explores how war-affected children become devoid of any political and social rights, reducing their existence to mere survival (zoe). Katouh’s novel As long as the Lemon Trees Grow has been used as a primary text in this research and key moments of dehumanization, displacement, and loss of innocence present in the novel were examined closely to uncover the ethical and moral crisis of modern warfare. A qualitative research approach, particularly the close reading method was used to conduct this research. The study contributes to existing scholarship by merging literary analysis with Agambenian philosophy which is based on the principles of Foucault's biopolitics, offering a critical understanding of how war narratives expose the fragility of human rights and the erasure of childhood. Therefore, this research highlights the imperative necessity to establish and implement effective inclusive policies in order to minimize warfare and social chaos, so that the safety of children can be ensured.