The Features of Simile and Metaphor in the Poetry of Qasim Al-Shammari

Abstract

Imagery holds a prestigious place in rhetorical and critical studies due to its vital and effective role in constructing poetic discourses and achieving their aesthetic value. Simile and metaphor are among the most prominent figures of speech, having a profound impact in conveying emotions and feelings to the audience. They also play a significant role in the construction of the poetic image. The metaphorical and simile structures evoke emotional and aesthetic reactions that emerge from the essence of things, beyond their external characteristics that are superficially depicted in an image. Based on this, the researcher chose to study the simile and metaphor in the poems of one of the contemporary Iraqi poets, Qasim Al-Shammari. The aim of this modest attempt is to analyze the use of simile and metaphor in the poet’s collections, namely “The One Holding the Wind,” “Letters that Never Reached My Father,” and “Mistakes Not Available to Whoever Wishes,” in order to uncover the aesthetic features of these images. The study uses a descriptive-analytical method, shedding light on the remarkable similes and metaphors in the poet’s works. In conclusion, the researcher reached several findings, including that the poet was able to employ various types of similes to serve his poetic experience and convey his artistic and intellectual vision. Sensory similes drawn from the Iraqi environment and the surrounding nature are prominent in his poetry. He made use of natural elements, such as palms, the Euphrates River, and the desert, to construct his similes. Additionally, his similes stood out due to their profound meaning and the ability to embody abstract concepts in tangible, sensory images, which imbued his poetry with vitality and an ability to influence the audience. Furthermore, Qasim Al-Shammari makes extensive and effective use of metonymic metaphors, employing them to express his worldview and emotions toward it. In his use of personification, the poet transcends mere decorative purposes, transforming it into a central tool in the construction of poetic meaning.