Q: Write a note on modern trend in Arabic literature.

How and when Arabic literature was revived?
Arabic literature which was facing its downfall for the last five centuries was revived in Egypt. After the invasion of Napoleon, Arabs especially Egypt came in direct contact with French or west. Now all the trends which were introduced in Arabic literature were determined by this very fact. This revival of Arabic literature is called “Al-Nahdat Al-Adab” . During the 20th century the Arabic literature was affected by the political turmoil and upheavals which were taking place in the Arab world. A cursory look at the trends in all genres will make the situation and picture more clearly to us.
1-Poetry:-
Poetry was an area in which the new trends were emerged during 20th century. Overall these are four main groups of poet in modern era of Arabic poetry.
1-Neo–Classical
2-Pre–Romantic
3-Romantic
4-Committed Poets
First part of 20th century witnessed that most of the poets wrote romantic poetry. Poetry of Adb-e-Mehjar was part of it. Jabran, Abu Alia Mazi, Mikhail Naemia etc. were from famous Mehjari poats.
Ibrahim Naji, Khalil Matran and Ahmad Zaki Abu Shadi were some other poets of romantic group of poets.
However, after world war-I, the political situation took new turn. The forceful creation of Israel was a sort of injury inflected on the heart of Arabs by the western world. Romantic poetry lost its charm and was replaced by the committed poetry. Now it was regarded necessary that there should be an objective or commitment of the poetry. No poetry can be said as according to the circumstances and charm full until an objective is not tried to achieve. Some poets resort to write for the favor of Nationalism. Mahmood Dervaish, who got unmatchable fame, was a ‘Palestinian Poet’ who wrote for the propagation of Nationalism. Another innovation was the introduction of ‘Free Verse’ by the poet named Badr Shakir Al-Sayab.
2-Modern Arabic Novel In 20thCentury:-
Modern novel or novel of 20th century also witnessed two trends. These trends are as following:
1- Neoclassical movement to revive the old traditions of past. Maqama and Thousand and One Night is an example.
2- Modern movement which emphasized on imitating the French novel.

Notable novel writers include:
1-Jurji Zaidan
2-Jabran
3-Mekhail Naemia
4-Najib Mehfooz.
Najib Mehfooz, from Egypt got a Nobel Prize in literature in 1988.

3-Drama In 20th Century:-
Though Drama in Modern era was started to be written in 19th century, it took major trends in 20th century by getting influenced by the French Drama. Art of tragedy was introduced in Arabic Literature. Tofique Al Hakim is one of the most famous Drama writers of his times. He wrote “Pyjmalion” in which he discussed backwardness of Arabs. His dramas ‘seven sleepers’ and epilogue of ― ‘One Thousand and one Night’ became very famous.

Some New Topics in Arabic Literature:

With new trends in Arabic Literature, new topics began to be discussed in prose and poetry. These new trends were according to the atmosphere of different countries. Some new trends are:
• Patriotism
• Nationalism
• Opposition of Imperialism
• Democracy
• Liberal thoughts
• Voice of public
• Depiction of wars
• Slogan of universal peace
• Need of renaissance
• Emphasis on basic rights
• Love and its basic demands
• Literature free from columns and classical regulations
• Political, economic and geographical description of regions
In modern era every attempt was taken to adorn Arabic literature with accordance of needs and trends in modern and completely changed world.