The Aesthetics of Ambiguity in the Poetry of Hasab al-Sheikh Ja'far

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of ambiguity as a prominent aesthetic feature in the poetry of the Iraqi poet Hasab al-Sheikh Ja‘far. Ambiguity is viewed here not as a semantic obstacle, but rather as an artistic strategy that deepens the poetic experience and enriches the horizon of reception. The study proceeds from the premise that the ambiguity in his poetry arises from the interplay of multiple expressive levels—including symbolism, linguistic deviation, and semantic condensation, alongside the use of myth and cultural references. It employs a textual-analytical approach to reveal the manifestations of ambiguity in selected examples of his work, focusing on linguistic structure, poetic imagery, and contextual relationships.

...which generates meaning. Analysis reveals that the poet's use of ambiguity is not arbitrary; rather, it is a productive ambiguity that stimulates the reader to interpret and participate in constructing significance—reflecting a modernist aesthetic sensibility. The study also highlights the impact of personal experience and cultural alienation in shaping this ambiguity, as subjectivity intertwines with universal visions to produce texts open to multiple readings. Ultimately, it concludes that the aesthetics of ambiguity in Hasab al-Sheikh Ja‘far’s poetry constitute a creative dimension that distinguishes his work within the context of modern Arabic poetry, reflecting a shift in poetic vision from directness to suggestion and condensation.