Ethical Chaos And Ethical Identity In Mahmoud Darwish's Poetry

This thesis delves into the late poems of Mahmoud Darwish, a prominent Palestinian
poet, with a specific focus on the period between 1980 and 2008. The analysis is
conducted using the framework of environmental ethics proposed by Robert Traer, an
American philosopher. Traer's four-pronged approach to ethical issues provides a
valuable framework for understanding the complexities of the Palestinian context,
which is marked by uncertainty, terror, chaos, and disruptions. By applying Traer's
framework, the thesis aims to unravel the state of ethical chaos that exists in occupied
Palestine. It explores environmental subtlety," shedding light on the other-than human
world and showing sensitivity to the elements of poetic complexity and the human
ordeal.Furthermore, the thesis examines spaces of ethical identity, seeking to
understand how individuals and communities navigate ethical dilemmas within this
challenging environment. To analyze the poems through Traer's lens, the thesis
operationalizes his concepts of rights, duties, moral characters, and relationships. The
concept of duty focuses on the occupier's responsibility to refrain from causing harm to
the natural environment. This perspective highlights the importance of preserving and
protecting the ecological integrity of Palestine amidst the turbulent
circumstances.Similarly, the concept of rights emphasizes the Palestinians' inherent
right to maintain their environment intact. It recognizes the significance of safeguarding
their land, resources, and natural heritage as integral components of their collective
identity and well-being. The concept of relationships is explored from two perspectives.
First, it considers the interpersonal relationships among humans, examining the
dynamics of power, oppression, and resilience within Palestinian society. Second, it
explores the relationship between humans and the natural environment, recognizing the
interdependence and interconnectedness between the two. This perspective encourages
a holistic understanding of ethics that acknowledges the intrinsic value of nature and
advocates for responsible stewardship. Lastly, Traer's concept of moral characters is
employed to distinguish between individuals who contribute to maintaining these
ethical relationships and those who undermine them. This analysis sheds light on the
virtues and qualities that are essential for fostering ethical behavior, such as empathy,
compassion, and a sense of justice.