Lnvestigating types of Disintegration and Reconciliation in Almirar Ibn Munqith’s “Ajab Khawlah”

Abstract

     The present study investigates the themes of disintegration and reconciliation in an ancient autobiographical Arabic poem that reflects the vicissitudes of Almirar Ibn Munqith’s life. In this poem, the past intersects with the present and the poet assumes a narrating character indulged in the intriguing experiences he has gone through while attempting reconciliation. The spirit of old age hides behind youth, which dominates the text. The origin of the poet’s disintegration lies in the conflict between youth and old age and his desire to return to the past. The disintegration the poet experiences makes him fluctuate between ecstasy, power, and disappointment. He recounts the young days with all their chivalry, strength, playfulness and romance. The reconciliation is strengthened by employing women and animals, and their symbolism, and the myths that revolve around both. The text is characterized by lexical density, including foreign words, in its first section and by smoothness of sounds and words in its second section. The poem also represents the poet’s artistic maturity. He loses the battle with time, which leaves its prints on his biography, body and poetic experience. It weighs heavily on his memories, resulting in signs of disintegration and fragmentation.