Symbolization of Political Poetry: An Analysis of Ahmad Shawqi’s Work

Abstract

This research aims to explore the use of political symbols in Ahmad Shawqi’s poetry, the factors of social and political backgrounds that influence the use of those symbols; and the relevance of atsymbolization in contextual life. The data were collected through documentation, and the primary data source is the book of “Al-Shawqiyyat” written by Ahmad Shawqi, supported by several other relevant books. The analysis was carried out using semiotics and content analysis approaches. This research identified certain meanings in the political poetry’s symbols, namely the meaning of the poetry theme and the meaning of animal symbols. Animal symbols were used in place of the nation’s leader, nation, people, foreigners, government officials, and critics. The utilization of those symbols was driven by the community’s unstable and tense social and political conditions. Those symbols are still relevant to this day and are used as softer means of criticism to the community and government.