The Semiotics of Narrative in the Language of Dialogue and Expression: Between the Camel, the Horse, and the Philosophy of Existence

Abstract

This study examines the philosophy of existence the inevitability of death and the symbolism of place in the poetry of Tarafa ibn al-Abd and Antarah ibn Shaddad who are regarded as two of the greatest poets of pre-Islamic Arabia and enduring symbols of heroism and chivalry. The objectives of the study are to identify the most significant rhetorical and figurative images employed in the dialogic verses of the two poets and to relate these images to their emotional and psychological experiences, to examines the symbolic relationship between the poet and the animal, to provide a descriptive and analytical framework that traces the emergence and development of this poetic phenomenon while examining the philosophical dimensions of the emotional relationship between human beings and animals, and finally to investigate the reasons and motivations that led Tarafa ibn al-Abd and Antarah ibn Shaddad to adopt this distinctive form of poetic dialogue and symbolic expression. Using descriptive analytical and rhetorical approaches this research seeks to reveal the aesthetic and semantic dimensions of dialogue and symbolism in the poetry of Tarafa ibn al-Abd and Antarah ibn Shaddad. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of pre-Islamic poetic discourse and to serve as a valuable reference for researchers and students of Arabic language and literature. however, Tarafa ibn al-Abd who died at the age of twenty presents in his celebrated Mu’allaqa and other poems a profound awareness of mortality the fleeting nature of life and the certainty of death. His poetry reflects an existential vision shaped by rebellion anxiety and a strong desire to embrace life through generosity courage companionship and the enjoyment of worldly pleasures. Despite his young age and the rejection he experienced from his tribe he remained fearless independent and determined to live according to his own convictions. Antarah ibn Shaddad on the other hand represents the ideals of courage honor and self-respect. His poetry reflects his struggle to overcome social discrimination and affirm his identity through bravery noble conduct and loyalty. By employing vivid imagery and symbolism he gives expressive life to the camel the horse the sword and the desert allowing them to convey human emotions values and inner conflict.