Is It Language, History, or Land That Makes a Home? A Comparative Study of the Exile Concept in Mahmoud Darwish’s and Pablo Neruda’s Poetry

This study aims to explore the concept of ‘home’ and its multifaceted nature by examining the works of Mahmoud Darwish and Pablo Neruda, two poets who, despite their isolation, offer unique perspectives on exile. The primary research question seeks to unravel the complex definition of ‘home’ and its potential associations with land, language, and historical context. By adopting a sociological critical approach, the researcher analyzes the physical and psychological dimensions of exile, questioning the nature of mental exile and its categorization. The study delves into the two poets’ social, economic, and political relationships, providing a comprehensive understanding of their respective exiles. The findings suggest that ‘home’ transcends the physical boundaries of birth or residence, extending to familial connections and personal identity. The choice of Darwish and Neruda as comparative subjects is strategic, given their diverse perspectives on exile and its causes. This research contributes to a broader understanding of the concept of ‘home’ and its multifaceted nature, highlighting the importance of exploring various exile contexts to draw more comprehensive conclusions. Through such comparative analyses that a deeper comprehension of the complex relationship between individuals and their sense of ‘home’ can be achieved. Further exploration of exile contexts and their impact on the notion of ‘home’ is encouraged, as it has the potential to provide valuable insights into human identity, belonging, and the complex dynamics of displacement.