Separation in Arabic poetry until the end of the second century of the Hijri calendar: A study on the relevant poetic theme

Abstract

Separation is a social, psychological and ontological experience that is deeply rooted in space and dynamic in time. It is a poetic act used by the poet to change real or imaginary human experience into a dramatic act, lyrical composition, or fictional writing, either in a multi-themed poem or a pure love poem as shown in the works of Jameel Buthainah and Omar Ibn Rabiah. Since many great poets have written on this motif, this paper traces the history and early beginnings of this theme throughout the old Arab period, including the Pre-Islamic and Omawi eras. The paper also explains the cause-and-effect behind this topic; individual and social causes. It also examines how separation evolved from being a social act into a poetic, symbolic, and an aesthetic event that has its remarkable components in one’s cultural memory.