Les traces du passé colonial dans Il était une fois un vieux couple heureux de Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine

Il était une fois un vieux couple heureux is the literary testament of Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine. Often regarded as a picturesque novel characterized by a calm tone, this one goes far beyond the description of a peaceful rural life. Behind the apparent tranquility of the daily life of the old couple, the author addresses profound themes that affect Moroccan society, such as poverty, social inequalities, the loss of traditional values and the deep traces left by the colonial past in the collective memory of Moroccans. Through the memories of Bouchaïb, the author evokes the sufferings endured by the colonized during the French domination. The text highlights the social injustices, racial segregation and economic dependence that marked this era. However, it also mentions the nostalgia felt for a period when, despite misery and fear, solidarity, dignity, and a sense of sacrifice reigned.