Symbolism in al-Futaiḥ's Collection of Poems, Mushaqqar bi a Saḥābah

Abstract

This study deals with  the use of  symbolism in Mohammed Abdulbari al-Futaih's collection of poems Mushaqqar bi al-Saḥābah  [Lit. Decorated with a Cloud] ^[1], which was written in the vernacular Yemeni Arabic. The discussion of the concept of symbolism is based on the analysis of a number of poems which abounds with the use of this creative literary form.  

The study is divided into two sections. The first section deals with nature symbolism with its various manifestations. On the other hand,  the second section is devoted to the wide variety of historical symbols employed by the poet.   In particular, it covers some key political issues that shaped the historical landscape locally, regionally and globally.

[1])-Mashqur or ‘Mushaqqar` is a culture-specific term which is widely used in the Taizi variety of Yemeni Arabic to refer to  a wrapped bunch of flowers put by ladies under their head-cover or shawls with a view to making them more beautiful.