How did Romanticism encourage more individual expression in Arabic poetry?

In the early 20th century, Romanticism played a pivotal role in transforming Arabic poetry by providing an aesthetic framework that prioritized the expression of the individual voice. This shift allowed Arab poets to move away from the rigid constraints of traditional panegyric poetry, which was often characterized by hyperbole and a reliance on systems of patronage.1

By encountering European literary traditions, Arab writers adopted new approaches that emphasized personal sentiment and creative freedom. This movement was particularly vigorous among mahjar (émigré) writers in the Americas, though similar trends emerged throughout the Arabic-speaking world. These romantic poets, including figures such as Khalil Gibran, utilized traditional imagery in fresh ways to explore new moods and themes, effectively fostering a more subjective and individualistic style of expression.123

Ultimately, this period of romantic experimentation served as a crucial bridge, enabling poets to break from the "straitjacket" of classical tradition and setting the stage for the further modernization and diversification of Arabic poetry in the latter half of the 20th century.13