Paper Title
BEYOND GEOGRAPHY: THE EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF PLACE IN MAHMOUD DARWISH'S POETRY

Abstract
The concept of "place" is a fundamental aspect of literary analysis that must not be overlooked. It serves as a vital framework through which we can interpret texts, offering insights into the emotional and thematic depths of literary works. Numerous studies have explored this multifaceted topic, introducing a variety of terms such as narrative space, literary space, geographical space, and textual space. Each of these terms highlights different dimensions of place, yet much research has been confined to a more limited understanding focused primarily on physical geography. This study aims to illuminate the distinctive nature of place in the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish, a prominent figure in contemporary literature. Darwish’s work exemplifies how place can transcend mere geographical or physical representation. In his poems, place is often conveyed through language that indirectly suggests spatial relationships rather than explicitly defining geographical locations. For instance, he utilizes spatial directions and binaries—such as above/below, here/there—to evoke a sense of place that is deeply tied to the speaker's emotional landscape. Through a close reading of Darwish's poems, this study demonstrates that these spatial expressions serve as crucial tools for guiding the reader's understanding. They are not merely decorative; rather, they are essential to grasping the underlying themes and emotional resonances present in the poetry. The absence of direct geographical references opens up a broader interpretation of place, allowing readers to engage with the text on multiple levels. The spatial phrases employed by Darwish invite us to explore the psychological dimensions of absence, longing, and identity, providing a rich tapestry of meaning that extends beyond physical boundaries. Moreover, the use of these expressions, which lack explicit geographical connotations, reveals other significant implications, particularly in social, political, and intellectual contexts. Darwish’s poetry often reflects the complexities of his identity and the collective experience of displacement faced by his people. By focusing on the abstract qualities of place, the poet captures the intricate interplay between personal and collective narratives, thereby enriching our understanding of the socio-political landscape he navigates. In conclusion, this study seeks to underscore the importance of understanding place as a dynamic and multifaceted concept in Darwish's poetry. By examining the implicit meanings and emotional depth conveyed through spatial expressions, we can better appreciate the complexities of his work and the broader implications for literary analysis. Ultimately, this approach not only enhances our interpretation of Darwish’s poems but also contributes to the ongoing discourse on the role of place in literature Keywords - Spatial expressions, Geographical space, Displacement, Narrative space.