Modern Poetic Formation in Adonis: Between Similarity and Difference

Abstract

Adonis's (Ali Ahmad Saeed) efforts took a sharp turn in the post-pioneer generation era.. This poet and critic was deeply involved in establishing a new poetic form that was divergent, or even anti-form, rebelling against traditional principles and values. To achieve this, he adopted two influential approaches in modern Arab thought: first, a deep exploration of the roots to find a foundation for this modernist form, and second, an investigation into Western achievements and how Arab poetry could boldly and confidently build upon them. Furthermore, Adonis was constantly engaged in intellectual and creative activities related to poetry, heritage, and contemporary issues, exploring the values of permanence and change within the Arab intellectual system.  This research aims to reveal and illuminate Adonis’s achievement, as an addition to the poetry movement, and what governs them from visions of modern formation between similarity with the West and difference with heritage.