“Manifestations of Love in Andalusian Poetry: A Study of Ibn Zaydun”

Abstract

This study explores a central theme in the poetry of Ibn Zaydun: the profound impact of his personal emotional experience on his poetic output. His unstable and intense love affair with Wallada bint al-Mustakfi left a noticeable imprint on the themes and moods of his poetry, reflecting the shifting phases of their relationship. The research examines the emotional journey that shaped this poetic voice, identifying the key stages of the experience and analyzing the reasons behind its fluctuations. Each stage—whether marked by joy, anxiety, or sorrow—gave rise to distinct poetic expressions, making his poetry a mirror of his emotional life. The study positions Ibn Zaydun’s love experience as a foundational element in the evolution of his poetry. It delves into the interaction between the poet’s internal world and the external context, highlighting how his environment and personal circumstances influenced the tone and content of his work. The research also emphasizes how the poet’s deep emotional involvement did not reduce the artistic quality of his work. On the contrary, it enriched his poetry with a wide emotional spectrum and thematic diversity. His love poems, in particular, stand out as vivid records of his personal experience, infused with artistic finesse rather than mere sentimentality. The poet’s journey is traced through three main stages: union, separation, and remembrance. Each stage inspired different poetic tones—romantic longing during union, complaint and reproach during separation, and nostalgia in the final stage, often expressed through yearning, regret, and sorrow. Ultimately, the study concludes that love was a dominant force in Ibn Zaydun’s poetry, shaping not only its themes but also its artistic excellence.