ARABIAN LITERATURE

• Arabic literature are the literary works written in the Arabic language.
• The great body of Arabic literature includes works by Arabic speaking:

  • Turks
  • Persians
  • Syrians
  • Egyptians
  • Indians
  • Jews
  • other Africans
  • Asians
  • Arabs
• When was the first significant Arabic literature produced?

  During the medieval golden age
• What type of poetry was prominent in the medieval golden age of Arabic literature?

  Lyric poetry
• What is the time frame of the medieval golden age of Arabic lyric poetry?

  Fourth to seventh century
• What are qasida in Arabic literature?

  They are strongly personal odes
• How long can some qasida be?

  Longer than 100 lines
• What themes do qasida poems typically address?

  Life of the tribe, love, courage, chase
• How does the poet speak of nature in qasida?

  Directly, not romantically
• What collections preserve the qasida?

  Muallaqat, Hamasa, Mufaddaliyat, kitab al-aghani
• Who are some of the most esteemed poets of this period?

  Amru al-Kais, Antara, Zuhair
• What became the central work of study and recitation with the advent of Islam?

  The Qur'an
• What is the primary focus of the Qur'an?

  Study and recitation
• What is the significance of the medieval golden age in Arabic literature?

  It marked the emergence of significant literary works
• How did the advent of Islam influence Arabic literature?

  It shifted focus to the Qur'an as central text
• The Qur'an supplanted poetry by becoming the chief object of study of the Muslim world.
• It regained some prestige under the Umayyads, when al-Akhtal and al-Farazdaq wrote their lyric works.

  Poetry
• Who wrote "The Prophet"?

  Kahlil Gibran
• How many poetry fables are in "The Prophet"?

  26 poetry fables
• When was "The Prophet" first published?

  1923
• Who published "The Prophet"?

  Alfred A. Knopf
• Why is "The Prophet" considered popular?

  Due to its simple style and wisdom
• What themes does "The Prophet" focus on?

  Human relationships, nature, and God
• What subjects does "The Prophet" provide wisdom on?

  • Giving
  • Eating
  • Drinking
  • Clothes
  • Buying and selling
  • Crime and punishment
  • Laws
  • Teaching
  • Time
  • Pleasure
  • Religion
  • Beauty
  • Friendship
• Who created the drawings corresponding to each chapter of "The Prophet"?

  Kahlil Gibran
• What is the significance of the drawings in "The Prophet"?

  They are evaluative illustrations by Gibran
• What is the primary literary form of "The Prophet"?

  Poetry fables
• How has "The Prophet" been received in terms of translations and sales?

  It has sold more copies and been translated widely
• Who is the main character in "The Prophet"?

  Almustafa
• How long has Almustafa lived in Orphalese?

  12 years
• What role has Almustafa taken on in Orphalese?

  Prophet and sage
• What is Almustafa waiting for in Orphalese?

  The right ship to return home
• How does Almustafa feel upon seeing his ship arrive?

  Happy but sad to leave
• Where does Almustafa go after seeing his ship?

  Back to the temple in the city
• What do the elders ask Almustafa before he leaves?

  To tell them about his philosophy
• What is the significance of Almustafa's character in the story?

  • Represents wisdom and guidance
  • Embodies the struggle between duty and attachment
  • Serves as a bridge between the people and deeper truths
• What themes are present in Almustafa's journey?

  • The search for belonging
  • The conflict between personal desires and responsibilities
  • The importance of sharing knowledge and wisdom
• Who encourages Almustafa to answer the townspeople's questions?

  Almitra
• What does Almitra's question prompt the townspeople to do?

  Ask for counsel on various issues
• What topics do the townspeople seek counsel on?

  • Food
  • Drink
  • Clothes
  • Crime
  • Religion
  • Marriage
  • Children
  • Love
  • Good and evil
  • Beauty
  • Property
  • Friendship