The Self and the Other in Adonis's Diwan “Ams Al-Makan Al-An” in Light of Cultural Criticism

Abstract

Objectives: This study explored the image of self and the other in its social sense (the individual versus the group in society) through Adonis's book “Ams Al-Makan Al-An,” shedding light on the rich biography of Al-Mutanabbi and reproducing it anew according to the requirements and judgments of the current era. It investigated the cultural and philosophical backgrounds Adonis relied on to elucidate the image patterns in Arab memory and their extension to the contemporary Arab world, reflecting the historical contradictions in the implicit and explicit patterns throughout Arab history.

Methodology: The study adopted cultural criticism tools to elucidate the pattern of self and the other that emerged in Arabic memory.

Results: The pattern of self was prominently present in Adonis's book and was the basis for other cultural patterns that were founded upon and emerged from it throughout the book. The central axis of this pattern was existential philosophy, as Adonis relied on many of its terms, whether explicitly stated or subtly referred to. This pattern occupied the entire book, accompanying all its main and secondary characters, whether they were in Al-Mutanabbi's memory or his life, providing a different interpretation of Arab history.

Conclusion: Existentialism significantly impacted Adonis's poetic philosophy, becoming an established pattern in his collections. The book was a serious attempt to reclaim the voice of the self and critique the other, empowering individuals to live with freedom of choice and responsibility, even if it was through literature.