A Comparative Study on Poetic Imagery Used by al-Mutanabbi and Manoochehri

Lending and borrowing are commonly used in both Persian and Arabic literature. This technique was of utmost use in Samani period in Arabic literature and in Ghaznavid and Abbasi Periods in Persian literature. Al-Mutanabbi, among the Arabic poets, is the one whose poems can be compared with those of Persian poets, in general, and Manoochehri in particular. Since their most beautiful imageries are mirrored in their panegyrics, the study of their panegyric verses sets a good ground for the analysis of their images. Al-Mutanabbi uses rational images and expresses his internal feelings through images to reach lofty and glorious meanings and in this way inspires feeling to meanings. On the contrary, Manoochehri does not involve himself in reasoning and what really matters to him is nothing but feeling and sense. Hence, unlike al-Mutanabbi -who takes his images from metaphor- Manoochehri sticks to simile. The two poets create their images out of their experiences. Unlike al-Mutanabbi who is always ambitious and through struggling seeking domination and superiority, Manoochehri prefers a comfortable peaceful life away from any tension and stress.