Cultural conflict and the Kanun: A study of tradition and identity in the narratives of Koliqi and Kadare

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of the Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini on Albanian literature, focusing on two key works: Hija e maleve (The Shadow of the Mountains) by Ernest Koliqi and Prilli i Thyer (Broken April) by Ismail Kadare. The central question explores how the Kanun's moral and legal codes are woven into narrative structures and character development in these literary works. Using a blend of narrative and anthropological approaches, this study examines how the Kanun shapes themes such as conflict resolution, symbolism, and the portrayal of societal norms. The narrative analysis delves into story structure, character arcs, and thematic elements, whereas the anthropological approach considers cultural contexts, rituals, and the Kanun's influence on daily life, particularly its confrontation with modernity. Techniques such as thematic analysis are employed to identify the motifs shaped by Kanun, alongside discourse analysis, to reveal how these themes reflect and reinforce Albanian cultural values. Preliminary findings indicate that Koliqi and Kadare use Kanun as a driving force in their narratives: Koliqi highlights its role in maintaining social order, whereas Kadare criticizes its impact on personal freedom and justice. This duality underscores Kanun's role as both a stabilizing and a restrictive force in Albanian literature. The study concludes by emphasizing the value of integrating narrative and anthropological perspectives to better understand the complexity of Kanun’s influence on Albanian cultural and literary identity. By positioning these findings within a broader scholarly framework, this research not only advances the study of Albanian literature but also contributes to global conversations about the interplay between tradition, identity, and cultural narratives.