Nizar Qabbani and John Donne as Heretics of Love: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The basic aim of this paper is to compare and contrast certain aspects of the love poetry of John Donne (1572—1631) and Nizar Qabbani (1923-1998). It is important for two reasons: it is considered to deal with these two great poets together, Donne and Qabbani; the two poets belong to different cultures, yet their heretical views and unconventional approach to love has brought them together as love poets. Despite the age and cultural difference between the English poet of the Renaissance and the 20^th century Arab poet, many striking similarities are found between the two poets especially in their experience and treatment of love as shown in their selected poems. The study also illustrates the two poets’ unusual celebration of love as well as their juxtaposition of far-fetched and forced analogies between apparently dissimilar objects. A comparative approach is used to analyze some selected poems, mainly specific lines and some excerpts to show relevant similarities and differences between the two poets. It is concluded that Qabbani and Donne share similar themes and views on love emphasizing the positive relationship between man and woman.