Manifestations of Place in the Poetry of Aisha Al-Ba'ounieh

Abstract

This research presents a picture of place as its aesthetic features were characterized in the poetry of Aisha Al-Ba'ounieh. Place, for her, was divided into holy, metaphysical and realistic places and other kinds. The research shows that places, even if of many names, are nourished by the soul of the concerned human being, and clearly tell about his/her attitude towards the world around them. For the poet, holy places therefore are associated with the desire to be in contact with the purity of those places that have witnessed the connection between Earth and Heaven. Moreover, the attempt to be near these places prevents alienation by going back with the human being to the initial intimacy with which the soul calms and settles down.

It also sheds light on these places within the context of the journey, as it highlights the poet’s concern about her search for the secret of soul and existence, and getting to know the ultimate truth. These places acted as the guide for her journey as they prevented her from deviating from her planned route or slowing down before reaching her goal.

The research reveals that there are other kinds of places scattered along the road of the experience of the poet, which, although not of great importance, are mutually interdependent with the other places to highlight the unique experience of the poet with place, where places become psychological cases, emotional reactions, and human attitudes.