Reiteration and ambivalence in Maha Al Otoum’s <i>Upper Rooms (2019)</i>: A translation-based stylistic study

Abstract

This study provides a stylistic analysis of the poetry of Maha Al Otoum, a Jordanian poet and academic. As a translation-based study, it focuses on the phenomena of reiteration and ambivalence in her Upper Rooms, exploring how these techniques contribute to the text's unity, harmony, and coherence. Reiteration emphasizes the rhythm and energy of the text both verbally and nominally, contributing to its cohesion. Artistically employed, ambivalence combines seemingly discordant elements to achieve aesthetic goals and enrich the text’s interpretation. This stylistic focus allows the reader to appreciate the depth and nuance in Al Otoum's poetry and understand how these techniques contribute to her distinctive poetic voice. Delving into this sort of poetry dissecting the distinct style and pulling back the curtain on a particular poetic craft, Al Otoum (2019) provides depth to its meaning(s), pushing readers towards a closer, more in-depth reading of the text. In conclusion, the critical stylistic analysis of Al Otoum's poetry reveals how she employs such two key phenomena as reiteration and ambivalence to enrich her work, shape her poetic voice, and stimulate a deeper reader understanding and appreciation of her text. This comprehensive study provides a fresh perspective on Al Otoum's oeuvre and the stylistic choices she makes as a poet.