Satire between Negation and Positivity in Al-Hutay'ah: A Critical Study

Abstract

This article explores and analyzes the persona of the poet Al-Hutay’ah, one of the most prominent poets of the Jahili and early Islamic periods, with a focus on the theme of satire in his poetry. Al-Hutay’ah was known for his expansive style and sharp sarcasm, making him a subject of great interest among critics who sought to understand the psychological, social, ethical, and moral motivations behind his satirical verse. The study highlights how satire served as an outlet for his feelings of oppression, deprivation, and social inferiority, resulting from a life of poverty and displacement. It concludes that Al-Hutay’ah’s satire was not merely verbal abuse, but rather a unique artistic blend of ridicule and biting criticism, which gave his poetry a distinct character that continues to engage readers despite the harshness of its language. Through this critical approach, the article demonstrates how Al-Hutay’ah enriched Arabic poetry with a distinctive form of satire that reflected his internal struggles and the broader social conditions of his time.