Examine a common theme in the poetry of Muslim Spain during the period from 711-1492. Some examples you might choose could be: the horror of war, conquest, death, faith, nature, different types of love, silent suffering or self-restraint, illness, nostalgia, memories, etc.
a) Choose at least 10 poems (different than the ones we read together in class – see me if you need help finding poems). The poems do not have to be by the same author. Please turn in copies of the poems with your final paper. 

 

b) Discuss different aspects of the theme you have chosen, quoting lines from the poems to illustrate your points – in other words do not describe one poem after another!

For example, if you choose to discuss the theme of memories, divide your subject into different types of memories or memories from different time periods: 1) memories of youth, 2) places visited or lived in in the past, 3) experiences during the war, 4) losses, 5) past ambitions, etc. Arrange your discussion by subject and give examples from each of the poems you have selected