Political issues in Ethiopian poetry in Amharic: a political reading

Contemporary Ethiopian poets in Amharic depict the political realism of the country in their poems. They use the political context of the country and the broader historical events to shape the poems. In this article, politics in Amharic poetry is considered from two aspects. The first aspect is the political themes, issues, viewpoints, and agendas expressed in the poems. The second aspect is the political conditions within the historical matrix that shape the poems. The study argues that contemporary poetry in Amharic serves as a vehicle for political commentary. Using textual analysis and a political approach to poetry, i.e., how poets engage with and critique socio-political reality through various narratives and literary devices, it examines the prevalent political themes expressed by the poets. The study found that poets in Amharic express dissent, public sentiments, grievances, and aspirations. The poetry in Amharic serves as a lens for understanding Ethiopian politics, while the dynamics of Ethiopian politics also provide a valuable context for interpreting poetry. Researchers can examine how political issues and social changes influence poetic expression. This study contributes to understanding how poetry catalyzes dialogue in complex political landscapes, engaging both scholars and wider audiences.