Jewels of blood: an Arab perspective on R. S. Thomas

Abstract

ABSTRACT : This work attempts a study of three themes in the poetry of R.S. Thomas, namely nostalgia for the past, the image of the land, and nationalism, all set in an Arab perspective by examining them in relation to the poetry of three recent or contemporary Arab poets. Part One deals with the Welsh heritage - history, literature, legends and customs which are then shown being used in the poetry of R.S. Thomas. The Iraqi poet Badr Shakir al-Sayyab offers points of comparison and contrast in his nostalgia for a personal past in the village and his of myths and legends of Babylonian, Biblical and Arab origin. revival as seen by R.S. Thomas. Part Two traces the history of Wales under English domination and examines the advance of industrialization and tourism The threat which this poses to the Welsh language and the alienation it produces people (as projected in R.S. Thomas's verse) are set along- Darwish whose work reveals the inseparable bond which exists between the poet and his land despite his condition of exile as a result of Israeli occupation. in Welsh side the image of Palestine as portrayed by Mahmoud Part Three discusses the role of nationalism in Wales and in Arab countries, in particular Egypt. Welsh Nationalism in the early active involvement of the Welsh Nationalist Party, Plaid The growth twentieth century, and of the vi Cymru, in defending Wales, and safeguarding its language and culture mark the start of a new era in the modern history of Wales. R.S. Thomas, as is evident from his poetry and articles, not only sympathized with the Welsh Nationalists, but supported them in their campaign to preserve the cultural heritage. The poetry of the Egyptian Ahmad al-Muti Hijazi, whose nationalism is inspired by Revolution of 1952 in Egypt, exhibits a strong affinity with the principles of Arab Nationalism, and offers some of comparison and contrast. Welsh Abd the Arab points