The Aesthetics of Exaggeration in al-Mutanabbī's Qasida Ahulman Nara

Authors : Adnan Arslan

Pages : 7-19

Doi:10.59149/sduifd.1595202

View : 107 | Download : 58

Publication Date : 2025-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study examines the psychological and aesthetic aspects of exaggerated expressions in the poetry of the renowned Arab poet Al-Mutanabbī. The research explores how al-Mutanabbī employed the art of exaggeration not merely as a stylistic device but also as a tool that profoundly influenced both individuals and society. The study argues that his hyperbolic language served as a method to emphasize heroism and ideals, creating an emotional impact while offering aesthetic value to the reader. The research investigates the conscious acceptance of exaggeration in literary texts, within the framework of the concept of \\\"suspension of disbelief,\\\" focusing on the psychological inclinations of the audience. Al-Mutanabbī’s use of exaggeration to exalt virtues such as courage, generosity, and moral maturity is analyzed as a form of expression that resonates with both individual and societal expectations. The findings reveal that Al-Mutanabbī’s exaggerations align with the cultural and social structures of his era and effectively engage the reader’s imagination. However, the study also highlights instances where certain verses fail to maintain the aesthetic value of exaggeration. Ultimately, Al-Mutanabbī’s art of exaggeration is presented as an element that adds aesthetic depth to literary texts. The most significant finding of the study is that Al-Mutanabbī’s hyperbolic expressions, beyond adding aesthetic depth to his poetry, are a powerful form of expression that stimulates the reader’s imagination and offers emotional intensity. However, in some verses, the crossing of aesthetic boundaries with hyperbole can weaken the impact of the exaggeration. This indicates that the balanced use of hyperbole is critical for artistic value. As observed, the poet\\\'s inclination towards hyperbolic depictions is closely related not only to individual literary skill but also to the societal expectations and psychological needs of the era. The exaltation of virtues such as courage and generosity reflects the desire for social status and the poet’s own quest to reinforce his identity. The article demonstrates that some verses, which include wordplay and expressions with contradictions, fall short in terms of artistic maturity. This suggests that hyperbole should be evaluated not only in terms of content but also as a balance of language and style. Al-Mutanabbī’s hyperboles, on one hand, align with traditional aesthetic values in classical Arabic literature, while on the other hand, they exhibit an innovative approach that creates new literary standards. This shows that his poetry has a transformative effect on established conventions. Ultimately, Al-Mutanabbī’s mastery of hyperbole demonstrates that he was a poet who was both in harmony with the aesthetic values of his time and transcended them. However, the weakening of aesthetic depth in certain verses further underscores the importance of using hyperbole carefully and in balance. These analyses reveal that Al-Mutanabbī’s poetry contains both aesthetic success and aspects that are open to critique.
Keywords : Arap dili ve belagati, Arap şiiri, Mütenebbî, Mübalağa, Psikoloji.

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