Recurrent Themes and Iconographic National Symbols: A Formalist Approach in the Comparative Study of the Selected National Anthems of Libya, France and Albania

Abstract

This article examines the similar themes and symbols embedded in the national anthems to demonstrate how these anthems construct or preserve the collective imagination and identity. In order to disclose the similarities in the manner of emphasising patriotism and strengthening the national bonds, this study will probe into three different national anthems: “Hymn to the Flag” of Albania, “La Marseillaise” of France and “God is the Greatest” of Libya. Although the three of them represent different cultures and they are located in different continents, they employ similar concepts, themes and symbols in their national anthems to heighten the sense of nationalism. In consideration of this affinity, this study aims to explore the similarities in thematic aspects and the differences in formulation in which their peculiar culture is reflected and constructed through. As such, this analysis will discuss the functions and cultural meanings of the national anthem by featuring the theme of unity, duty, and the propaganda of the lurking enemy through a formalist approach.

Keywords

• national anthems,Unity,Duty,Liberty,Creation of an enemy

References

1. Brooks, Cleanth. “The Formalist Critics”. Literary Criticism: An Introduction to Theory and Practice. Edt. Charles E. Bressler. Boston: Pearson Longman, 2011. Print.
2. Cerulo, Karen A. “Sociopolitical Control and the Structure of National Symbols: An Empirical Analysis of National Anthems.” Social Forces. Vol. 68. No.1. 1989. Pp. 76-99.
3. ---. “Symbols and the world system: National Anthems and Flags.” Sociological Forum, 1993. 8(2): 243-271.
4. Cusack, Igor. “African National Anthems: ‘Beat the drums, the red Lion has roared’”. Journal of African Cultural Studies, 2005. Vol 17. No. 2. Pp. 235- 251.
5. Deutsch, K.W. Symbols of Political Community in Bryson. Lyman; Finkelstein, Louis, Hoagland, 1955. Print.
6. “God is the Greatest” Encyclopedia of National Anthems. Edt. Xing Hang. USA; Scarecrow Press, Inc. 2003. Print.
7. Habib, Rafey A. A History of Literary Criticism from Plato to the Present. Oxford: Blackwell, 2007. Print.
8. Kellen, C. Anthems of Australia: Singing complexity. National Identities, 2003. Vol. 5. No. 2. Pp. 63-176.

9. “La Marseillaise” Encyclopedia of National Anthems. Edt. Xing Hang. USA; Scarecrow Press, Inc. 2003. Print.
10. Mwinvelle, Peter, John Adukpo and Rainer Mwinvelle. “The Use of Lexical Cohesive Devices.” International Journal of Zambrut. Vol.4 No.2. 2019. Pp. 161-172.
11. Oluga, Samson Olasunkanmi, Teh Chee Send and Gerard Sagaya Raj Rajoo. “The Paradox of the Quest for Global Peace and the Linguistic Violence of Some Countries’ National Anthems. A Critical Discourse Perspective.” Global Journal of Human -Social Science. Vol 15, no. 1. 2015. pp. 82-85.
12. “Pledge to Flag” Encyclopedia of National Anthems. Edt. Xing Hang. USA; Scarecrow Press, Inc. 2003. Print.
13. Smith, W. 1975. Flags Through the Ages and Across the World. McGraw- Hill.