Literary Analysis of al-Mutanabbī's Ode: Ab‘ad Na’y al-Malīḥa al-Bakhal
This study aims to analyze one of the most important figures of ʿAbbāsid Arabic poetry, al-Mutanabbī, focusing on his eulogy-themed qaṣīdah dedicated to Bedr b. ʿAmmār in terms of polysemy and literary arts. Given al-Mutanabbī’s exceptional position in Arabic poetry, numerous qaṣīdahs in his dīwān h...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Ordu Üniversitesi
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Ordu İlahiyat |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/4416069 |
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| Summary: | This study aims to analyze one of the most important figures of ʿAbbāsid Arabic poetry, al-Mutanabbī, focusing on his eulogy-themed qaṣīdah dedicated to Bedr b. ʿAmmār in terms of polysemy and literary arts. Given al-Mutanabbī’s exceptional position in Arabic poetry, numerous qaṣīdahs in his dīwān have been extensively studied. However, this particular poem has not been examined in academic research regarding its literary devices and richness of meaning. Investigating this qaṣīdah is expected to contribute to the field by shedding light on the poet’s intricate use of rhetorical strategies, making this study unique in its approach and significance. A detailed literary analysis of the qaṣīdah reveals al-Mutanabbī’s mastery in creating multilayered meanings through various rhetorical devices such as takhalluṣ, ḥusn al-taʿlīl, metaphor, and polysemy. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the poem but also allow for diverse interpretations, engaging the reader on multiple intellectual levels. His adept use of transitions, particularly the seamless movement from the ghazal introduction to the central eulogistic theme via takhalluṣ, exemplifies his narrative refinement and thematic coherence. The poem’s structure and stylistic choices highlight his ability to maintain artistic creativity while adhering to the conventions of classical Arabic poetry. Furthermore, the thematic core of the ode—centered around virtues such as generosity and courage—aligns with the broader eulogistic tradition of the period. These qualities, deeply rooted in Arabic poetic heritage, are not merely praised but are interwoven with the poet’s sophisticated linguistic and rhetorical techniques. This fusion of content and form reinforces the richness and depth of the text, demonstrating how al-Mutanabbī elevates panegyric poetry beyond conventional praise into a realm of intellectual and artistic complexity. Critical discussions by scholars such as Ibn Abū al-Ḥadīd and Ibn al-Asīr further attest to the poem’s literary merit, particularly in their analyses of its structural organization and semantic construction. Their critiques highlight the poem’s dual role as an artistic masterpiece and a central subject of literary discourse, showcasing its significance in the Arabic poetic tradition. The poet’s expertise in metaphor and simile manifests as layers of meaning throughout the qaṣīdah, revealing the depth of his expressive power. Although his characteristic inclusion of wisdom-infused verses appears in a relatively limited scope within this ode, his refined eloquence remains evident. In conclusion, this qaṣīdah stands as a testament to al-Mutanabbī’s literary genius and the sophisticated rhetorical artistry of his era. Its intricate composition, thematic depth, and intellectual rigor establish it as a work of enduring significance within the canon of Arabic literature. Future research could benefit from a comparative analysis of this ode alongside other works in al-Mutanabbī’s dīwān to further explore his evolving stylistic and artistic preferences. Such an investigation would not only provide deeper insights into his literary contributions but also illuminate broader trends in Abbasid-era poetry, enriching our understanding of this remarkable poet’s legacy. |
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| ISSN: | 3062-0287 |