Symbolism and Myth in the Structure of Poetic Imagery in Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri and Ahmad Shawqi (A Comparative Study)

Abstract

 Abstract:

From our careful and in-depth review of the poetry of Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri and Ahmad Shawqi, it becomes clear that they deliberately incorporated symbolic and mythological vocabulary that suggests images emanating from the active imagination of the individual. They present poetic texts that are directed toward riddles and allusions. They embodied the most wonderful poetic images. The concept of the poetic image was not limited to the rhetorical aspect in ancient times. The concept then evolved, extending to emotional and sentimental aspects in modern times. Symbolism played a significant role in defining these two concepts, both modern and ancient. Here, the symbol is considered part of the meaning that the word seeks to convey to the recipient.

As for myth, which had a significant impact on the souls of Iraqi poets, the myth differed from one poet to another. Ahmad Shawqi avoided myth and relied on superstition to draw poetic imagery.

Myth is considered one of the fundamental foundations of modern poetry, yet it had no influence on the poets' poetry or poetic imagery