Rhyme in Dakhel Al-Khalifah’s Anthology “Ward Asmar Yamla`u Ri`ati”: A Prosodic Analysis

Abstract

The critical perspectives on rhyme in the Arabic free verse (taf `eela)  poem, particularly regarding its presence and artistic value, diverged into two opposing viewpoints. Given the scarcity of critical studies that examine rhyme within the framework of its formation in Arabic free verse poetry, the importance of addressing this topic becomes evident. Therefore,  this study examines how rhyme is deployed across Dakhel Al-Khalifah’s anthology “Ward Asmar Yamla`u Ri`ati.” It clarifies the formal manifestations and functions of rhyme as a prosodic device within contemporary free-verse poetry.  The analysis infers the poet’s stance on rhyme from textual practice. The results show a high prevalence of unified rhyme (≈95%) across the anthology. Rhyme functions as a salient artistic resource, shaping the poems’ aesthetic structure and contributing to the construction of their imagery.