The Literary Frame of Reference Among the Poets of Karbala (A Comparative Study in the Poetry of Abu Mahasin al-Karbala’i, Emad al-Da’mi, and Nijaah al-‘Arsan)

Abstract

This study aims to monitor and analyze the phenomenon of utilizing the literary frame of reference (intertextuality) in contemporary Karbala poetry, by conducting a comparative study of the poetry of three poets from Karbala: Abu Mahasin al-Karbala’i, Emad al-Da’mi, and Nijaah al-‘Arsan. The study employs a descriptive-analytical and comparative methodology to examine selected poetic models from the three poets, revealing the nature of the interaction between their texts and prior texts from different literary eras, ranging from the pre-Islamic and Abbasid periods to the contemporary era. The results showed a diversity in the forms of utilization. The poetry of Abu Mahasin al-Karbala’i was predominantly characterized by an imitative traditionalist tendency aimed at establishing roots and connection to heritage. In contrast, Emad al-Da’mi tended to employ textual interaction to intensify the expression of contemporary and religious issues, while Nijaah al-‘Arsan leaned towards an allusive and interpretative utilization that generates new meanings from old texts. The study concluded by affirming the vitality and continuity of the literary heritage as a source of inspiration and formation in contemporary Karbala poetry, with varying degrees of creativity and innovation among the studied poets.