English abstract
The objective of this study is to address and probe the implications of textual structures in Omani novel represented by Saud Muzaffar, its most prominent pioneer. This is done by applying the concepts of linguistics from its structural perspective and semantic trends related to characters' social and cultural phenomena. This is to determine the deep semantic structure of characters and reveal their internal tribulations and their relations to events. This approach also monitors the most important value transformations in individuals and society in Oman across two overlapping types of discourse within the textual space of the novel (historical and fictional). This proves that these characters have become a prominent reflection to the development of the current society in the context of answering an implicit question of the novel: how did Omani society evolve? And where is it proceeding?
The approach of this study stems from the concepts discussed by Propp, Greimas, and Philippe Hamon under semiotic narratives. The study consists of three chapters. Chapter One introduces the novel Men from Al-Hijr Mountain. It also touches upon the theoretical roots of modern semiotic narratives.
Chapter Two deals with the micro structures of characters and their presentation in the novel by using quantity and quality and their relationship with the other characters. It also provides the model metontiel of the characters and their intertexualties in their spatial and temporal spaces.
Chapter Three discusses the macro structures of the characters within the cultural order of the text. It discusses the approaches the fictional .characters in the study novel through their historical, social, symbolic, mythical, ad textual references
