[1] He graduated in 1936 and then began preparing his first PhD dissertation on Abu Nuwas, as well as a second on the rhythm of classical Arabic poetry.

He assumed responsibility for educational affairs in the National Independence Movement, thereby supporting the fight against French colonialism.

This era in Tunisia was known for far-reaching educational reforms under the newly independent government, and many of these policies came to be known as the "Messaadi plan.

[4] In addition to these responsibilities, Messadi worked with UNESCO and Alexo as well as the Arabic Language Academy in Jordan.

[5] The novel tells the story of Ghaylan and his wife Maymuna, who come upon a valley full of people who worship a goddess of drought named Sahhaba.

Ghaylan decides to build the people a dam, to give them a reliable source of water and cure them of their superstitions, with disastrous results.