Ndeshtrasha and Its Use of Biblical Code

This paper offers a detailed and rigorous analysis of Beqir Musliu's novel Ndeshtrasha, focusing on the novel's engagement with biblical themes and their interplay with literary and real life figures. It examines how key characters, such as Mejrem, who is a reflection of Mary, and Baton, who is portrayed as a Christ-like figure, shape the narrative. The study applies descriptive, analytical, and comparative methods to interpret the novel, particularly through the lens of Baton, tracking his journey from birth to the writing of his memories. Central motifs - loneliness, absence, inadequacy, sacrifice, and fear- are analyzed within the novel’s cultural and religious context. An essential aspect of this novel is the fusion of Islamic and catholic religion into one, symbolizing a core value of Albanian identity. This analysis is significantly important as Ndeshtrasha remained unpublished during Musliu's lifetime and received little attention after. Consequently, the paper has remained unstudied in depth and unknown by the readers, making this paper the very first scholarly study of this novel. By introducing Ndeshtrasha to a broader audience, the study aims to uncover its universal themes while also shedding light on the distinctive elements of Albanian literature.