Humanities Journal of University of Zakho

A THREEFOLD RELENTLESS RIVALRY: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MASCULINITY AND NARRATIVE RELIABILITY IN MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN OR THE MODERN PROMETHEUS

Hogar N. Abdullah — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper delves into the intricacies of the multilayered narrative aspects of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus to draw connections between reliability and the assertive power of masculinity. The narrative unfolds in accordance with the appearance of Rebert Walton, Victor Frankenstein and the monster in the novel respectively. Through a three-leveled narrative, Shelley represents an interconnected story that provokes readers’ sense of curiosity to untangle it by following its main male characters’ plot lines. She painstakingly makes the readers engrossed in a close observation of how these characters compete to demonstrate the trustworthiness of their stories as an attempt to construct their status as men of integrity. While the three male characters take turns in narrating the story, their efforts of being able to make their narratee(s) believe their stories remains a key task for them. The three narrators are portrayed in a fierce rivalry; each trying to add credibility to their narrative and outdo the others. That is, they strive to defy masculine subordination by presenting the most reliable version of events. This paper posits that for these characters to assert their masculine power, they rely on being believed, understood, and most importantly, accepted by other characters. Accordingly, the paper adopts narrative theory to explore certain concepts of masculinity studies. It argues that the masculinity of these characters is constructed vis-à-vis the reliability of their narrative in the novel. The consequences of the relentless competition between these men are often dire and their pursuit of male hierarchy leads to calamities.

ETHICAL INTEGRATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EFL LEARNING: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND FAIR ASSESSMENT (STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVE)

Alya O. Muhammad, Idrees A. Hasan — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English foreign language learning (EFLL), focusing on its potential benefits, accompanying challenges, and its implications for fair assessment practices. Using a mixed-methods research design, data were collected from 98 undergraduate students at the University of Zakho to understand their perceptions and use of AI-driven tools. The findings show a common embracing and a positive reception of AI for language development, particularly in writing and speaking. However, concerns regarding academic integrity, overreliance on AI, and the reliability of AI-generated content were also prominent. Despite these challenges, students confirmed awareness of ethical considerations and braced for implementing institutional guidelines. The study concludes that while AI grasps transformative potential for EFL learning, its integration must be directed by ethical principles, educator training, and inclusive policies to ensure equitable and responsible use.

THE METAPHORICAL CHARACTER IN THE NOVEL (KAF) ACCORDING TO THE SEMIOLOGICAL THEORY (PHILIP HAMON)

Nergiz M. Ghaffar, Bayan A. Hussein — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The novel, as a literary genre that includes a group of metaphorrical characters, has been the subject of theoretical and applied research, particularly in narrative semiotics criticism, especially in the theory of Philippe Hamon. One of the main features of the metaphorical character is that it embodies human emotions, both positive and negative, which express love, hope, hatred, anxiety, and more, which prompts the reader to reflect and interpret. This character is not a foreign or isolated element within the text but is rather connected to all other elements and narrative types, acting as an active agent in the narrative cycle. It also relates directly to the novel's theme and plot. Naturally, the novel's text includes a wide range of characters. This study attempts to analyze and interpret the metaphorical character in the novel ( Kaf )by the author( Diyar Ardani). The central question is: does the character in the novel embody the characteristics of a metaphorical character as defined by Philippe Hamon's theory? The study ultimately concludes that elements such as hatred, pessimism, and despair give way to happiness, hope, and inner peace within the character. In practical examples, it was evident that each signifier pointed clearly to a specific meaning.