Exploring the theme of death in Nazik al-Malaika's poetry: an analytical study / Ahmed Mubrook Al-Hawtali

This research paper aims at investigating death as manifested in Nazik al-Malaika's poetry. Throughout her literature, death is seen as a dominant theme in her poetry as it holds an important place in her thought and emotions to express different attitudes towards death. This study further reveals how al-Malaika perceived and reflected death in her poems. Methodologically, the current study is essentially based on descriptive analytical approach. In her poetry, alMalaika uses terseness of language, eloquence, original use of imagery and symbols to serve the theme of death in its broadest meaning. The study concludes that Nazik al-Malaika played a vital role in the development of modern Arabic poetry through the use of free verse form (‘taf’ila’ in Arabic poetry) during the 1940s to 1960s. It is her unique artistry skill which effectively depicts the fact of death through the use of various poetic channels including images and symbols. It is highly expected that this research will significantly contribute to the critical study of modern Arabic poetry and will constitute an important landmark for future research.