Number and the term poetic purpose in ancient Arabic criticism

Abstract

     This research seeks to uncover the role played by number in ancient Arabic criticism, particularly in the study of poetic purpose, its understanding, naming, divisions, and psychological motivations within the poet. Ancient critics were keen to use number in their critical discourse, as it helped them define the concept of poetic purpose and determine its terms. The term "poetic purpose" was not unique in the literary arena; there were other competing and alternative terms. Number also helped them classify poetic purposes, after critics had disagreed over their number. This division was not arbitrary, but rather linked to a methodological vision that sought to control the objective chaos in ancient Arabic poetry and criticism. Number also demonstrated the relationship between poetic purpose and the poet's psychological state. Each poetic purpose is based on a particular emotional state that dominates the poet and drives him to express and compose poetry. Hence, the use of number came to reflect the diversity of these poetic motivations within the poet. Number was not merely a tool of limitation; rather, it appeared in ancient Arabic critical discourse as a tool of understanding and interpretation, revealing an early critical awareness of the nature of poetry and criticism.