A Bed of Flame by Ameen Rihani
The novel revolves around the life of a young Arab man who travels to Europe and becomes disillusioned with Western values. He returns to his homeland, where he witnesses the decline of traditional ways of life and the rise of modernity. The protagonist's experiences serve as a commentary on the clash between Eastern and Western cultures.
By Ameen Rihani · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 134 words
First lines
I saw one day on the horizon grey, As with my load I wandered near the sea, A whiff of smoke embrace the sleeping sun; And just as their enchantment had begun, A lonely cloud that roved above the lea Passed by their couch and hid them from the day.
I saw this and my soul, long silent, cried: "Would that I were the whiff of smoke Now sleeping with the sun!
In beds of flame, how often was I tried -- How often have I 'neath the stroke Of God or Satan shone! "
What this Textopian page supports
A Bed of Flame is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ameen Rihani, dated 1925 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Ameen Rihani
- Date: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Symbolism, Lyrical
- Length: 134 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Bed of Flame by Ameen Rihani
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work employs structured verse and employs figurative language, characteristic of poetic expression.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and individual experience align with the principles of Romantic literature.
- Philosophical — Explores existential themes and the nature of existence, reflecting on the human condition.
- Symbolism — Utilizes symbols such as smoke and flame to convey deeper meanings and emotions.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Arabian Literature · Symbolic Realism · Existentialist Themes · Psychological Insight · Middle Eastern Culture · Spiritual Quest · Inner Turmoil · Self-Discovery · Mysticism · Eastern Philosophy · Literary Symbolism