Material Possessions and Class Struggles: A Marxist Analysis of Albaydat Walhajar [The Egg and the Stone] (1990)

Zidan, Ashraf Ibrahim; Al-Azzawi, Ramadan Mohamed El-sayed

doi:10.21608/jsdses.2025.395824.1049

Material Possessions and Class Struggles: A Marxist Analysis of Albaydat Walhajar [The Egg and the Stone] (1990)

Document Type : scientific research and articles

Authors

¹ Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Arts, Port said University, Egypt

² Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Suez Canal University, Egypt.

10.21608/jsdses.2025.395824.1049

Abstract

This study employs a Marxist analysis to explore Albaydat Walhajar [The Egg and the Stone]. It is a film that critiques societal structures, class conflicts, and ideological transformations within Egypt. Anchored in Marxist critical theory, the study examines the historical narrative of class struggle, the construction of ruling-class ideologies to perpetuate domination, and the inherent contradictions within societies that fuel socio-economic tensions. It also examines the challenges of realizing communist principles, as reflected in the film. The theoretical section outlines Karl Marx’s central ideas, the thinkers who influenced him, and contributions by prominent Marxist theorists. The practical analysis investigates the protagonist’s partial resemblance to Marx, the ideological underpinnings of the text, character conflicts, societal contradictions, and the factors contributing to the failure of communist ideals. The film portrays the protagonist’s ideological shift from proletariat advocacy to bourgeois support, symbolizing Egypt’s broader transformation from socialism to capitalism under President Sadat. Through its bold, direct exploration of oppression, ideology, and exploitation, the film condemns ignorance and societal weakness, advocating education and self-expression as tools to resolve class conflict. By urging audiences to challenge the status quo and address societal issues, the film serves as a call to action, inspiring people to embrace active, transformative roles in their communities.

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References

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