Reasons for the Emergence of Free Verse Poetry
The emergence of free verse poetry can be attributed to several factors. This article aims to clarify and elaborate on these causes.
Social Factors
It is undeniable that the social environment influences poetry. Prior to the advent of free verse, various changes occurred in multiple aspects of life, including shifts in cultural composition, social conditions, and interpersonal relationships. These transformations led to the emergence of a new form of poetry, free verse, as a response to the evolving societal landscape.
Psychological Factors
This refers to the impact of liberation movements that arose as a reaction to the oppression and suppression experienced by Arab nations under colonial rule at the time. Poetry served as an ideal outlet for expressing the deep feelings and thoughts of the populace. Free verse emerged as a reflection of the inherent sentiments within society and the minds of poets.
Literary Factors
Literary movements influence one another; what happens in the West significantly affects the East, and vice versa. The influence of Western poetry and literary schools on Arabic poetry was profound. As poetry inherently mirrors life, the emergence of free verse brought about a liberated form that sought renewal and innovation.
Insights from Nazik al-Malaika
In addition to the aforementioned factors, Nazik al-Malaika outlined several reasons for the rise of free verse in her book, “Contemporary Poetry Issues,” summarizing them in the following points:
- The Return to Reality: Free verse allows poets to express their realities and the values of hard work and effort more effectively than traditional forms. Poets transitioned from the dreamy, romantic atmosphere to the reality they lived, particularly since the romantic trend dominated the period preceding the emergence of free verse.
- Breaking Free from Monotony: The binary structure of Arabic poetry prevailed for an extended period, making it necessary for a shift towards a poetic form that aligns with contemporary developments, allowing poets to showcase their individuality and distinctiveness. Unlike classical poetry, which followed a specific structure (starting with descriptions of ruins and the desert before addressing the main theme, such as praise, lamentation, or pride), free verse liberated poets from such constraints.
- Focus on Content: After an extended period of emphasis on the external form of Arabic poetry, free verse emerged as a call to move away from rigid structures of meter and uniform rhyme. This shift provided an opportunity to prioritize meaning and substance.