he Cultural references in the poetry of Munther abdul-Hurr

Abstract

The poet's culture and cognitive references are evident in the surface, content, structure, and artistic impact of the literary work. Literature in general, and poetry in particular, are products of culture and stem from its cognitive and emotional outputs. Thus, both the creator and the audience share cultural references firmly rooted in each of their minds. As a result, the poet's poem and creative output embody a cultural image and intellectual contribution that captivates the taste of the audience. They engage in a cultural dialogue that establishes a strong relationship between them, based on mutual understanding, comprehension, and shared interpretation. The produced text becomes a point of intersection and meeting, as every human society possesses a unique culture, and no society exists without culture. The relationship between culture and society is dialectical, with humans having an immense capacity to produce culture, setting them apart from other creatures. The values, customs, and traditions passed down through generations are a significant source of cultural interaction and creation, especially as they interact with social life, which serves as a fundamental pillar of culture. From this perspective, the poet draws upon literary culture to strengthen his texts and to reap the fruits of his talent, which has been shaped by broad knowledge and the struggles of personal experiences. The poet’s text does not emerge from his own essence alone but is a collection of texts embedded in his memory. Every text is a tapestry woven from quotations, references, and echoes.