The THE USE OF WISDOM IN THE LITERATURE OF KHALIL GIBRAN AND ITS AESTHETIC AND ARTISTIC MANIFESTATIONS

Abstract

This study aims to examine the employment of wisdom in the literature of Kahlil Gibran by exploring its sources, orientations, and artistic manifestations in his literary works, as well as its role in shaping his intellectual, humanistic, and aesthetic vision. The study is guided by a central question concerning the extent to which wisdom contributes to the construction of Gibran’s literary discourse and whether it constitutes a merely decorative element or an essential component of his literary and philosophical project. The research adopts the descriptive-analytical approach to analyze literary texts and investigate the manifestations of wisdom therein. It also benefits from the historical approach in tracing the intellectual and cultural origins of wisdom in Gibran’s writings, in addition to the comparative approach in examining its manifestations in both poetry and artistic prose. The study concludes that wisdom constitutes a central pillar in Gibran’s literature and derives from multiple sources, most notably personal experience, Islamic and Christian religious heritage, philosophical and spiritual thought, as well as his engagement with social, political, and humanitarian issues. The research further demonstrates that Gibran employed wisdom artistically and skillfully across different literary genres, whether in metrical poetry, as exemplified in The Procession, or in artistic prose, as reflected in Sand and Foam. This reveals his remarkable ability to combine aesthetic expression with profound intellectual contemplation. The study also finds that wisdom in Gibran’s literature is not merely ornamental or didactic; rather, it represents the essence of his literary and philosophical vision. It contributes significantly to the distinctive humanistic and contemplative character of his literary production, granting his works enduring artistic and intellectual value within modern literary and humanistic studies.

Keywords: Kahlil Gibran, wisdom, artistic employment, aesthetics, poetry, artistic prose