Intertextuality in the Poetry of Abu al-Shamqamaq

Abstract

Intertextuality is one of the most prominent concepts in modern literary criticism, attracting the attention of researchers since its emergence on the literary scene thanks to the efforts of Julia Kristeva, who provided a theoretical framework for it in her book, The Science of the Text. Intertextuality arises from the interaction of previous texts with which the writer engages, absorbs, and reshapes. This has thus offered researchers a broad field for studying and discovering the features of new textual structures and their intersections with older texts. This research examines the dimensions of intertextuality in the poetry of Abu al-Shamqamaq through an analysis of his poetic texts, highlighting the interwoven literary, religious, and cultural allusions. The results show that the poet employed intertextuality ironically to critique society, combining direct quotations with innovative reformulation. This intertextuality added new dimensions to the poet's messages, while the ironic aspect of the texts bestowed upon them a unique aesthetic and artistic value. Abu al-Shamqamaq's poetry is characterized by its satire of traditional poetic themes such as praise and elegy, as he reformulates meanings to align with his critical intentions. The poet blends poetry with religious heritage in a style that combines seriousness and humor. Intertextuality in his poetry served as a mirror reflecting the contemporary reality of his time, enabling him to offer constructive criticism in an innovative language. Its functions ranged from providing the historical and epistemological context for Abu al-Shamqamaq's poetry to facilitating a deeper understanding of the criticism presented in his works.