The Dramatic Tendency in the Poetry of ʿUrwa ibn al-Ward

Abstract

This study explores the dramatic dimension in Ṣuʿlūk poetry, with particular focus on ʿUrwa ibn al-Ward, one of the most prominent Ṣuʿlūk poets of the pre-Islamic era. The Ṣuʿlūk poets, often rejected by their tribes, adopted a life of wandering and raiding, yet embodied ideals of courage and generosity by defying tribal norms and sharing spoils with the poor. By analyzing selected poems of ʿUrwa ibn al-Ward, the research highlights the presence of dramatic elements in his verse and examines how these features reveal the poet’s capacity to portray life, conflict, and adventure despite the absence of drama as a recognized literary genre in his time. Employing a psychological approach, the study begins with an overview of the Ṣuʿlūk poets and the life of ʿUrwa ibn al-Ward, then turns to an analysis of the dramatic structures in his poetry. The findings indicate that both the written and spoken word constitute the essential link between drama and poetry, showing that dramatic qualities have been embedded in Arabic verse since antiquity. Moreover, ʿUrwa drew heavily on real experiences, incorporating living characters and actual conflicts, thereby reflecting the dynamic interaction between his inner self and the surrounding reality.