Sameh Al-Rawashdeh as a Critic

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study is to shed light on the critical experience of the critic Sameh Al-Rawashdah as one of the most important Jordanian critics in the modern era. The study will present Al-Rawashdeh’s critical opinions, aiming at answering the following questions: Did Al-Rawashdeh practice critical theorizing only? How did he deal with literary texts, either poetic or prose? What are the salient critical issues that he framed?

Methods: The study was based on collecting Al-Rawashdeh’s critical opinions theoretically and practically and examining them throughout his books: The Problem of Reception and Interpretation (2018), The Mask in Modern Arabic Poetry (1995), Status of the Story: Studies in the Arabic Novel (2005). The study displayed his position on some contemporary critical issues, critical terms and how Al-Rawashdeh utilized them through his books to highlight his critical achievement.

Results: It was evident that Al-Rawashdeh is one of the most important Jordanian critics in the field of salient scientific research both in critical heritage and modern criticism. He presented his visions in a scientific way, and was keen on the practical side in many of the models selected for this study.  The most important issues he framed were “The Mask” and how to use it and “The Problem of Reception and Interpretation” in modern poetry. His books are among the most important references in the field.

Conclusion: The study concluded that Al-Rawashdeh presented a critical legacy and a distinguished contribution to the Jordanian and Arab critical movement.