Subaltern voices and perspectives: The poetry of Mahmoud Darwish

Date

2010

Authors

Dhillon, Balraj

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Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Illumine

Abstract

This paper examines the complex use of poetry, identity, myth, and history as a subaltern method of resistance. Edward Said, in Culture and Imperialism, argues that the culture of postcolonial resistance manifests itself in literature by pulling away from separatist nationalism—and moves toward a literature that is liberating for humans—a more integrative view of society. This article argues that Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry uses identity, myth, and history to emblematize a collective Palestinian voice. By doing this, Darwish becomes the epitome of Said’s discussion—he resists separatist discourses through this poetry but at the same time resists the hegemonic structures of Israel and the West.

Description

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Citation

Dhillon, B. (2010). Subaltern voices and perspectives: The poetry of Mahmoud Darwish. Illumine, 9(1), 45–65. https://doi.org/10.18357/illumine9120107777