A Sense of History Emanating from Adonis’ Poetry Collection, “Concerto for Jerusalem” Intertextuality - History – Occupation

Abstract

Objectives: This study deals with the Syrian poet and critic Adonis’ collection of poetry “Concerto for Jerusalem”. The collection is composed of an epic poem that celebrates Jerusalem as the model which Adonis envisioned for the city of his dreams. The poem differs from the prevalent depiction of the city in content and form, irrespective of religious and sectarian conflicts, and transfers its holiness from place to humans.

Methods: The study adopts a critical analytical approach that is based on an analytical close reading of the text by investigating the poetic modernity techniques in his contemporary poem, such as the question and interrogation problem, poetic imperative, polyphony and dialogue, gender overlap, and ambiguity.

Results: The study proves that Adonis is not traditional neither in content nor in form. He perceives Jerusalem as a problematic entity in which religious holiness undermines the importance of the people affiliated to it and the role they played historically in shaping their destiny. Adonis argues for the restoration of people’s identity from the sacred affiliated to. As for the poetic form, he uses his modern underpinnings to create a piece of literature which Jerusalem deserves.

Conclusions: The study recommends that researchers and critics undertake studies of whole aspects of Jerusalem and Palestine to encounter the Zionist discourse, which aims to turn Jerusalem into a Jewish city, undermining its Arab and Islamic history. They are required to preserve its unique identity and carry out their duties toward the Palestinian cause.