How to Read and Understand Poetry: A Comprehensive Mechanism
The process of reading poetry encompasses the techniques employed by readers to decipher the meanings intended by poets within their verses. The intricacy of Arabic poetry has been a hallmark since the pre-Islamic era to the contemporary age. To unveil the essence of Arabic poetry, a series of systematic steps can be followed:
1. Reading the Text with Proper Diacritical Marks
The initial step involves reading the poem accurately, ensuring that the text is either fully or partially vocalized. This precision allows the reader to avoid misinterpretations in the grammatical analysis of words, as understanding the semantics depends heavily on proper pronunciation. For example, if a reader approaches the lines of Abu Tammam:
السَيفُ أَصدَقُ أَنباءً مِنَ الكُتُبِ
:::في حَدِّهِ الحَدُّ بَينَ الجِدِّ وَاللَعِبِ
It is essential for them to interpret it with accurate diacritical markings.
2. Identifying the Themes of the Poem
Upon successfully vocalizing the poem, the reader should then proceed to identify its primary themes. Recognizing the various topics within the poem is crucial for grasping the overall meaning the poet aims to convey.
Every poem contains central ideas that readers need to comprehend to arrive at its general meaning. For instance, when analyzing the excerpt from Abu Tammam:
يا يَومَ وَقعَةِ عَمّورِيَّةَ اِنصَرَفَت
:::مِنكَ المُنى حُفَّلًا مَعسولَةَ الحَلَبِ
The reader becomes aware that the poem commemorates a battle between Muslims and polytheists.
3. Understanding the Linguistic Implications of Words
To enhance their comprehension of the poem, readers must delve into the linguistic implications of the vocabulary used. Each poem comprises a selection of words that require careful analysis to ascertain their correct meanings.
This linguistic analysis involves scrutinizing letters, words, and sentence structures to explore the nuances present within the poem. Readers should examine the types of words utilized by the poet—whether they are soft, strong, or voiced. For instance, in the following lines by Abu Tammam:
فَتحُ الفُتوحِ تَعالى أَن يُحيطَ بِهِ
:::نَظمٌ مِنَ الشِعرِ أَو نَثرٌ مِنَ الخُطَبِ
فَتحٌ تَفَتَّحُ أَبوابُ السَماءِ لَهُ
:::وَتَبرُزُ الأَرضُ في أَثوابِها القُشُبِ
It becomes evident that the poet employs grandiose language and explosive sounds to convey the historical significance of the Muslim conquests.
4. Recognizing Symbolic and Implied Meanings
Poetry represents language at its highest expression, laden with symbols, implications, and meanings—both superficial and implicit. Thus, readers must be attuned to the symbols embedded within the poetry, particularly in modern works where poets often employ symbolism as a mode of expression.
The interpretation of symbols may vary across different eras, influenced by the cultural context of the audience. For instance, Mahmoud Darwish writes:
:مقهًى وأَنتَ مع الجريدة جالسٌ
:لا، لَسْتَ وحدَك
:نِصْفُ كأسك فارغٌ
:والشمسُ تملأ نصفها الثاني..
:ومن خلف الزجاج ترى المشاة المسرعين ولا تُرَى
:[إحدى صفات الغيب تلك:
:تَرى ولكن لا تُرَى]
:كم أَنت حُرُّ أَيها المنسيُّ في المقهى!
:فلا أَحدٌ يرى أَثَرَ الكمنجة فيك،
:لا أَحَدٌ يحملقُ في حضوركَ أو غيابكَ،
:أَو يدقِّقُ في ضبابك إن نظرتَ إلى فتاةٍ وانكسرت أَمامها.
5. Performing a Rhetorical Analysis of the Poem
Upon completing the exploration of symbolic and linguistic secrets within the poem, readers should conduct a rhetorical analysis. This phase encourages readers to reflect deeply on the poem and examine its aesthetic elements.
Readers should focus on the unique artistic components and how the phrases and words interconnect cohesively. For instance, in a line from Abu Tammam’s verse:
حَتّى تَرَكتَ عَمودَ الشِركِ مُنعَفِرًا
:::وَلَم تُعَرِّج عَلى الأَوتادِ وَالطُنُبِ
Here, the poet masterfully employs a metaphor, as seen in the term “عمود الشرك,” effectively linking his metaphorical expression with what follows in the subsequent line.
6. Understanding the Cultural Context of the Poem
This final step involves grasping the cultural background surrounding the poem, which requires awareness of the era’s culture and the poet’s context. Understanding the specific vocabulary that conveys the poem’s intended meaning is essential. For example, in a previous line by Abu Tammam:
وَالعِلمُ في شُهُبِ الأَرماحِ لامِعَةً
:::بَينَ الخَميسَينِ لا في السَبعَةِ الشُهُبِ
أَينَ الرِوايَةُ بَل أَينَ النُجومُ وَما
:::صاغوهُ مِن زُخرُفٍ فيها وَمِن كَذِبِ
تَخَرُّصًا وَأَحاديثًا مُلَفَّقَةً
:::لَيسَت بِنَبعٍ إِذا عُدَّت وَلا غَرَبِ
In these lines, Abu Tammam responds to claims that victories are determined by the timing dictated by astrology, asserting that true knowledge lies in the swords and spears wielded in battle, offering a glimpse into the prevailing cultural beliefs during his time.
7. Final Re-Reading of the Poem
After completing the entire reading process, including analysis, symbolism understanding, and identifying the poet’s rhetorical styles, a final reading of the poem is recommended.
This second reading serves to reinforce the reader’s understanding, having already explored all dimensions of the poem—be it the meanings conveyed, the aesthetic elements involved, or other underlying themes.