Simile and Metaphor in the Book of the Two Crafts by Abu Hilal al-Askari

Abstract

This research aims to demonstrate the rhetorical critical standard of Abu Hilal al-Askari in his book (Al-Sina'atayn), revealing the most prominent critical judgments he made regarding the poetry of poets from the pre-Islamic, Islamic, Umayyad, and Abbasid eras. The study revolved around the arts of simile and metaphor, given their importance in shaping the poetic image and embellishing literary discourse. The introduction presents brief definitions of simile by some critics, followed by a detailed examination of Abu Hilal al-Askari's views and comments on several of the poetic selections he included in his book. These are critical standards of sublime literary value that warrant careful consideration and contemplation. The research material is divided into two main sections, in accordance with the rhetorical issues addressed by the author. The first section, entitled "Simile," is devoted to presenting Abu Hilal's vision of this rhetorical art. The second section, entitled "Metaphor," examines this as a highly influential expressive tool, presenting his critical applications thereof. The research highlighted the literary and normative value of Abu Hilal’s views, and demonstrated their impact on ancient rhetorical criticism.