Arabic Literature Bulletin

The functional ideology of language in the context of the dynamic art of the poetry and life of Abu Al-Ala Al-Maari; A postmodern study according to the theories of Althusser, Lyotard, and Merleau-Ponty

10.29252/jalc.2023.230438.1214
Volume 14, Issue 26
May 2023
Pages 73-102
Arabic Literature Bulletin

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Narjes Tohidifar 1
Raja Abuali 2
Ali Ganjian Khenari 3

1 AllamehTabatabaei University

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Allameh Tabatabai University

3 Associate Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
This article aims to show new dimensions of the life and poetry of this philosopher using Althusser's theory of ideology, Lyotard's grand narrative theory, and Merleau-Ponty's body theory; Althusser sees in his theory that ideology is a material phenomenon that exists in all people. Lyotard, in his theory, rejects narratives that claim certainty and are supported by hegemony. Merleau-Ponty considers the body a tool for perception and knowledge in his theory of physical perception. The purpose of this research is to provide a postmodern analysis of Al-Ma'arri's poetry, in which he explains how Al-Ma'arri transforms the ideological actor into the revolutionary one and how he takes advantage of language and art in this way. The main question of this research, which follows the descriptive-analytical approach, is how can the Althusserian ideology be applied to Al-Ma'arri's poetry, what are the major narratives that were questioned in his poetry, and how was the dynamism of art manifested in Abu Al-Ala's poetic language and lifestyle? The result of the research is that poetry for Al-Maarri is the tool of the revolution, not just the media. Ideology can remain only in the form of words, but if it is to enter the theater of action it must have a practical example. Abu Al-Ala understands this fact and tries to show this practical revolution, and thus uses two means at the same time: verbal media means poetry, and artistic media means performance.

Keywords

ideology
Abu al-Ala al-Ma'arri
Althusser
Lyotard
Merleau-Ponty
Subjects
  • Receive Date 26 January 2023
  • Revise Date 03 July 2023
  • Accept Date 18 October 2023

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