The Pattern of Virility in Arabic Epitaphic Poetry

Abstract

This article explores the pattern of virility through an approach to the Arabic epitaphic poetic corpus. It represents an initial step in examining Arabic poetic writings and inscriptions in light of cultural criticism. Our research investigates the pattern of poetic virility on tombstones and shrines, and then the relationship of epitaphic virility to marginalized femininity, the invention of the poetic virile, the religious virile, and the political virile. We then address the pattern of "sacred femininity" in male poetry/female hypertrophy, through examples of ancient and modern Arabic epitaphic poetry.