ملامح المقاومة عند أبي القاسم الشابي

Features of Resistance According to Abu al-Qasim al-Shabbi

Abstract

Resistance poetry is a great pillar of modern Arabic literature, and one of the broadest poetic doors that poets explore. The resistance poet must make his own destiny, call for liberation and independence, and be committed to the issues of his society. If we look closely at contemporary Tunisian poetry, we find Abu al-Qasim al-Shabbi (1909 -1934 AD) one of the greatest resistance poets, as he strongly believed in freedom of choice and was responsible before the society to which he belonged, keeping pace with his people and the people of his people, resisting injustice and tyranny, advocating against the oppressor, singing about the glories of his people and refusing to reconcile with the social reality in which his people live.

The study aims to explore how al-Shābbī employs poetic devices—such as powerful imagery, metaphorical language, and symbolic references—to articulate a nationalistic vision grounded in freedom, dignity, and self-determination. His poetry not only mirrors the psychological and emotional landscape of a subjugated people but also inspires a vision for liberation, reform, and cultural renaissance.

Using a critical-analytical approach, this paper examines select poetic texts to identify the underlying themes of resistance, focusing on how the poet transitions from personal suffering to collective defiance. The research argues that al-Shābbī’s poetic resistance is not merely rhetorical but forms part of a larger intellectual and cultural movement that sought to awaken Arab identity and consciousness in a colonial context.

Ultimately, the study concludes that Abū al-Qāsim al-Shābbī’s resistance poetry serves as a powerful expression of anti-colonial sentiment, transforming poetic language into a tool of protest and national revival. His legacy remains a cornerstone in the canon of modern Arab resistance literature.