Modern Arabic Poetry

Beginning with Kahlil Gibran`s prophetic claim, down to the daring sexual imagery of today`s Arab women, the last century witnessed the most radical transformation Arabic Poetry has ever undergone. Among the makers of the new landscape are different generations of mystical prophets, self-sacrificing prophets of national rebirth, poets submerged in themselves and their self-reflexive poems, and finally those simply seizing the flux in poetic snapshots. This fascinating transformation is analyzed here, emphasizing the interaction between each poet`s conception of poetry and his or her poetic work: its message, form, imagery, as well as its symbolic and possible mythical dimensions. For the western reader, this is a key to the richest Arab `treasure-house`. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.