Introduction
Identity Card by Mahmoud Darwish is a poignant and powerful poem that delves into the complex themes of identity, resistance, and the Palestinian experience. Born in 1941 in the village of Al-Birweh in what is now Israel, Darwish became one of the most celebrated poets in the Arab world, known for his vivid imagery and emotive language. His works often reflect his experiences as a Palestinian living under occupation, and “Identity Card” is no exception.
Written in 1964, the poem is a direct response to the oppressive policies faced by Palestinians. The poem’s narrative style and its straightforward demand for recognition and justice make it a striking piece of political poetry. Its genre can broadly be categorized under protest poetry, where Darwish uses personal grievances to highlight broader societal issues. 😌
Meaning of Identity Card
Opening section
“Identity Card” opens with a forceful assertion of the speaker’s identity:
- “Write down! I am an Arab”
From the very first lines, Darwish sets a confrontational tone, demanding recognition from an unspecified authority. This opening is both a declaration of existence and a defiance against erasure.
Mid section
In the middle sections of the poem, Darwish details the mundane yet poignant aspects of the speaker’s life:
- “My number is fifty thousand I have eight children And the ninth will come after a summer”
Here, the poet juxtaposes the reduction of a person to a mere number with the rich, personal details of his life, emphasizing the dehumanizing aspects of bureaucratic control.
Concluding section
The poem concludes with a powerful warning:
- “Beware, beware of my hunger and my anger!”
This conclusion serves as both a threat and a plea, encapsulating the frustration and rage born from systemic oppression.
In-depth Analysis
Stanza Analysis —
Stanza 1:
- Literary techniques: Repetition (“Write down! I am an Arab”) is used to emphasize identity and defiance.
- Syntax: Commanding, short sentences establish an authoritative and confrontational tone.
- Diction: The words are straightforward and direct, creating a strong, assertive voice.
- Figurative language: The stanza lacks overt figurative language but uses the declarative syntax as a form of verbal resistance.
Stanza 2:
- Literary techniques: Use of specific numbers (“number fifty thousand”) depersonalizes the speaker, highlighting themes of dehumanization and bureaucracy.
- Syntax: The syntax here lists details of the speaker’s life, reflecting the format of an official document.
- Diction: Concrete and specific, focusing on familial aspects (“eight children”) to humanize the speaker against the backdrop of statistical reduction.
- Figurative language: Minimal in this stanza, focusing instead on the stark reality of the speaker’s situation.
Stanza 3:
- Literary techniques: Imagery is strong in this stanza, with vivid descriptions of the speaker’s physical environment (“my roots”).
- Syntax: Longer lines suggest a deepening of narrative, providing background and a sense of place.
- Diction: Richer and more descriptive compared to earlier stanzas, words like “roots” and “olive tree” evoke cultural and personal identity.
- Figurative language: Metaphors and symbolism are used heavily, with “roots” symbolizing ancestral and personal history, and “olive tree” representing life and resistance.
Stanza 4:
- Literary techniques: Irony comes into play here, as the speaker’s declaration of simple desires (“And I do not steal”) contrasts sharply with the accusation implied by the identity verification process.
- Syntax: This stanza continues with a narrative style, using simple, declarative sentences to assert innocence and rightful demands.
- Diction: Emphasizes honesty and righteousness in the face of suspicion, using terms like “steal” and “anger” to highlight injustice.
- Figurative language: Irony is the main device, juxtaposing the speaker’s straightforward claims against the broader context of oppression.
Stanza 5:
- Literary techniques: The final stanza uses rhetorical questions and direct address to challenge the reader and authority figures.
- Syntax: It shifts to more aggressive and confrontational with rhetorical questioning (“Will you be angry?”).
- Diction: Combative and provocative, designed to evoke emotional responses and reflection from the audience.
- Figurative language: The use of a rhetorical question as a challenge serves as a call to action, provoking thought about injustice and the speaker’s plight.
Poetic Devices used in Identity Card
| Device | Examples |
|---|---|
| Metaphor | “an Arab’s flesh and blood are cheap, cheaper than water” |
| Repetition | “Write down! I am an Arab” repeated for emphasis |
| Alliteration | “sands of” to create a rhythmic sound |
| Personification | Giving human characteristics to abstract ideas |
| Simile | Comparisons made indirectly throughout |
| Irony | The use of identity card to show lack of identity |
| Hyperbole | Exaggerations to emphasize desperation |
| Symbolism | The identity card itself symbolizes oppression |
| Anaphora | Repetition of phrases at the beginning of lines |
| Imagery | Vivid descriptions of personal and physical landscapes |
Identity Card – FAQs
Q: What is the central theme of ‘Identity Card’ by Mahmoud Darwish? A: The central theme is the struggle for identity and recognition in the face of oppression and erasure.
Q: How does Darwish convey anger in the poem? A: Darwish uses direct language, repetition, and powerful imagery to convey the anger and frustration of the speaker.
Q: Why is the poem ‘Identity Card’ significant in Palestinian literature? A: It encapsulates the Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation and has become a symbol of national identity.
Identity Card Study Guide
Verse to analyze: “Write down! I am an Arab And my identity card number is fifty thousand I have eight children And the ninth will come after a summer Will you be angry?”
Exercise: List all the poetic devices used in the above verse.
Answers:
- Repetition: “Write down! I am an Arab” emphasizes identity.
- Imagery: Descriptions of family life humanize the speaker.
- Direct address: “Will you be angry?” challenges the reader directly.