The Role of Arab Classical Drama in Spreading Moral and Patriotic Values Among the Public “The Death of Cleopatra” by Ahmed Shawky is an Example

الملخص

Drama significantly influences public awareness, serving as a potent artistic medium with broad reach and impact, as well as an effective tool for conveying moral and patriotic messages. Drama functions as a potent medium for conveying patriotic and ethical messages. This research aims to examine the artistic and ethical elements inherent in the classical Arabic play "Death of Cleopatra," authored by Ahmed Shawqi, as a model for embodying national values and guiding communal behavior. This study examines the inherent ideals within the theatrical text and their impact on the audience's consciousness, identity, and behavior. The play presents a set of essential questions at its outset, including the following: In what manner does the play communicate its moral and national themes to the audience? What function does it serve in enhancing Arab audiences' sense of identity and national affiliation? In what manner does the audience's comprehension of history and their shared responsibilities evolve due to the ethical and national principles articulated in the book? To what degree does this play remain pertinent within contemporary Arab culture? This analysis deconstructs the symbols and concepts in Shawqi's text through various methodologies, including literary criticism, cultural studies, and ethical philosophy. The research findings indicate that ancient Arabic drama, as exemplified by Ahmed Shawqi's works, transcends mere representation of cultural and historical narratives. Rather, it plays a significant role in the audience's ethical education and the nation's advancement. Theater serves as a transformative medium that imparts values, enhances collective consciousness, and cultivates national identity, thereby exerting considerable influence on Arab culture, as evidenced by this study's findings.