The pre-Romantics
Revolt against the limitations imposed by the neoclassical conventions Themes, diction and imagery
Khalil Mutran 1872-1949
Was a genius in journalism, in finance, in commerce, in agricultural economy. Received his education in a Catholic seminary in Beirut. He was interested in politics (inspired by 1789). Lived in Alexandria (1892 – 1949). Director of the National Theatre Company.
Translated some of Shakespeare’s plays, and Corneille’s Le Cid. Introduced new concepts into Arabic poetry: - Unity of the poem/Unity of structure. - Primacy of meaning - Uncommon imagination/subject
The Diwan Group (Mazini, Shukri, Aqqad) Tension between old form and new content. Played important role in the development of Arabic poetry.
Ibrahim al-Mazini 1890-1949
Poet, Critic, essayist, translator, English teacher. With Aqqad and Shukri formed “Madrasat al-tajdid” the School of Innovation (avant-gard) and Attacked traditional literary values. They published al-Diwan (Literary criticism). prose writer
Abdul Rahman Shukri 1886-1958
Teacher The Book of Confession: self analysis, observations on art and man, life and death, and graphically expressing the malaise of the Egyptian intellectual. Concepts of poetry: - Clarity/simplicity - Imagination (vital role) - Passion - Atifah: Emotional polarities (love-hate, hope-despair, bravery-cowardice)
Abbas Mahmud al-Aqqad 1889-1964
self-taught Journalist The Golden Treasury: Attacks the privious Egyptian poets.