ROUGH DRAFT Title: Arabic poetry UNIV-200 Introduction: Arabic poetry stands as one of the oldest and most profound forms of literary expression in the Arab world, embodying the cultural, social, and political landscapes of its people. This paper aims to explore the evolution of Arabic poetry from its pre-Islamic roots to contemporary forms, highlighting how it has served as a mirror to the changing Arab society over centuries. The main argument posits that Arabic poetry, with its rich linguistic and stylistic features, offers invaluable insights into the Arab identity, ethos, and the socio-political dynamics of its era. Body: Pre-Islamic Poetry: Main Points: the characteristics of pre-Islamic poetry, focusing on its oral traditions, themes of honor, bravery, and the harshness of desert life. - Supporting Evidence: Reference to famous pre-Islamic poets like Imru' al-Qais and Antara Ibn Shaddad, with examples of their poetry that showcase the eloquence and depth of the Jahiliyya period. - Transitional Phrase: "Transitioning from the oral traditions of the Jahiliyya period, Islamic conquests ushered in a new era for Arabic poetry." Islamic to Classical Poetry: - Main Points: how Islam influenced Arabic poetry - Supporting Evidence: Analysis of the works of poets like Al-Mutanabbi and Abu Nuwas, highlighting the diversity in themes from piety to revelry. Bullet Points for Further Research: - Influence of the Qur'an on Arabic poetic forms. - Comparison of themes in pre-Islamic and Islamic poetry. Modern and Contemporary Arabic Poetry: - Main Points: shift towards modernism and contemporary themes in Arabic poetry, including nationalism, romanticism, and existentialism. - Supporting Evidence: contributions of poets like Mahmoud Darwish and Adonis, and how their works reflect contemporary social and political issues. Conclusion: The journey of Arabic poetry from the pre-Islamic era to the modern-day reflects the dynamic evolution of Arab culture and society. This paper has traversed through various epochs of Arabic poetry, illustrating its role as both a custodian of Arab heritage and a commentator on contemporary life. Notes: - Further Development: Deep dive into the impact of colonialism on Arabic poetry and the rise of post-colonial themes (not so imp) - Revision Areas: Expand on the influence of Western literary movements on contemporary Arabic poets. - Are there any significant poets or poetic movements that have been overlooked? (Q for myself)