Study:
Sarcasm in Palestinian Resistance Poetry: From Nakba to Intifada
"The book, 'Sarcasm in Palestinian Resistance Poetry between 1948-1993,' by writer Firas Haj Mohammad, was recently published by 'Palestinian Publishers' in its first edition for 2025. The book is available in electronic format, free for readers and researchers on digital library platforms.
This publication offers an in-depth study of sarcasm in Palestinian resistance poetry, highlighting its role as a literary weapon against occupation and oppression. The book is considered a significant addition to Arab and Palestinian critical literature, as it addresses a vital aspect of Palestinian literature that has not been comprehensively studied before.
This research is the culmination of academic efforts initiated by Firas Haj Mohammad during his university studies, influenced by the revolutionary spirit of Palestinian literature. The research period spans from the 1948 Nakba until 1993, a period that witnessed pivotal transformations in the Palestinian cause.
The research consists of an introduction, three chapters, and a conclusion. The introduction discusses the concept of resistance in Palestinian literature, sarcasm linguistically and terminologically, and its relationship with other literary arts. The three chapters cover sarcasm in Palestinian resistance poetry during specific periods: (1948-1967), (1967-1987), and (1987-1993).
The researcher defines Palestinian resistance literature based on Ghassan Kanafani's vision, which views it through four main dimensions: national revolutionary, pan-Arab, social, and humanitarian. Sarcasm, according to the book, is an integral part of humorous literature but carries deeper connotations beyond mere laughter.
The researcher clarifies the complex relationship between sarcasm and other concepts such as humor, irony, satire, and paradox. He emphasizes that sarcasm is "a way of speaking in which a person expresses the opposite of what they actually mean". The book also asserts that sarcasm is a refined literary art requiring intelligence and exceptional skill, considering it one of the "most difficult literary arts". It stems from anger and carries aggressive tendencies, making it an effective weapon against occupiers and injustice. It is characterized by courage and audacity and is closely linked to the literature of liberation and revolution.
The book provides a detailed analysis of sarcasm in Palestinian resistance poetry across three time periods:
<!--First Phase (1948-1967): Sarcasm emerged among poets of exile and the interior as a means of resisting occupation, notably Abu Salma, Rashid Hussein, and Tawfiq Ziad.
<!--Second Phase (1967-1987): After the Naksa (setback), Palestinian literature continued to express steadfastness and resistance. Poets like Mahmoud Darwish, Muin Bseiso, and Mourid Barghouti intensified their sarcasm towards Arab regimes and their stances.
<!--Intifada Poetry (1987-1993): Sarcasm blended with elements of optimism and hope, directed towards the "other" (the occupation). However, this optimistic spirit receded after negotiations that led to the Oslo Accords in 1993.
The research not only covered content but also addressed the artistic forms of sarcasm. Poets utilized techniques such as satirical imitation, paradox, popular vocabulary, and drawing from heritage. The poems varied between classical and free verse.
The researcher indicates that Palestinian poetry contained sarcastic texts or passages, and he believes that some poets, such as Rashid Hussein, Mahmoud Darwish, and Fawzi Al-Bakri, can be considered satirical poets.
The book 'Sarcasm in Palestinian Resistance Poetry between 1948-1993' offers a valuable critical study that enriches our understanding of Palestinian literature and its role in the national struggle. It highlights how sarcasm can be an effective weapon in expressing rejection, criticizing reality, and stimulating the spirit of resistance.
An electronic version of the book is available via the following links:
1.https://kenanaonline.com/users/ferasomar/posts/1254058
3. https://www.kotobati.com/node/2893683
