MAHMOUD DARWISH AND PALESTINE. THE THEME OF MOTHERLAND IN THE WORKS OF THE POET

• Main Author: E. V. Kukhareva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MGIMO University Press 2019-03-01
• Series: Концепт: философия, религия, культура
• Subjects: арабские поэты; национально-освободительная борьба; национальная идея; палестина; палестинец; патриотизм; родина
• Online Access: https://concept.mgimo.ru/jour/article/view/220
• ISSN: 2541-8831; 2619-0540

The article is devoted to the reflection of the Patriotic theme and concept of ‘Motherland’ in the works of the singer of the Palestinian people, the world-famous Palestinian poet and writer Mahmoud Darwish. The sense of patriotism, which is perhaps common to all peoples, is most acutely felt among people born in the Palestinian lands. National humiliation, injustice, ignoring the interests of the whole people, despair, comprehensive anger and the struggle for freedom, honor and dignity of the Motherland – these are the main themes of the works of dervish. In the poetic work of Darwish are reflected all the features of the concept of ‘ homeland’, which are characteristic of the Arab mentality: territorial, a sign of social belonging, ideological and political and related moral values that continue to play an important role in the life of modern Arabs. The author shows that in the works of Mahmoud Darwish the concept of ‘homeland’ is connected not so much with the native land, but more with the struggle of the Palestinians for freedom and independence of their country. In his poetic creativity the impossibility to live on the earth according to precepts of ancestors is perceived as the national humiliation demanding restoration of justice. But the homeland in the poetry of Darwish is also a wonderful past, the image of the black-eyed girl, kind heart of the landscapes of his native Palestine. Therefore, the red thread in the poetry of the Darwish is the idea of protecting his native land, permeated with thoughts of struggle and willingness to give his life for it. Despite all the horrors of the situation in modern Palestine, the poet did not become embittered, although he is angry, does not curse anyone, although he warns of retaliation. At the end of his life, the dervish returns in his thoughts to the peaceful pictures of his childhood, which have always served as a guiding star in the spiritual and political struggle for the future of Palestine. His life and work is a model for the younger generation of Palestinians, his love for Palestine fosters a sense of patriotism in Palestinian youth and a desire to fght for the honour and just future of their country.