ABSTRACT
In the romance of Majnun Layla, the expressions and conduct of a central male figure, Majnun, are exhibited and showcased both within the ‘Abbasid-era text and its ‘Abbasid reception and performances – indeed, within the reception of this love story across diverse temporal and cultural zones. The interconnecting literary motifs of “virginity and love’s revelation” color the entire romance, and yet, they play out in different but intersecting ways through the Umayyad and ‘Abbasid subtexts of the romance. The lover’s visit to the beloved may carry erotic significance – hence, the “visit” can sometimes incorporate sexual dimensions. As situated within and viewed from a largely ‘Abbasid lens, the interconnecting literary motifs of “virginity and love’s revelation” prominently featured in the story play out in a different way than in and through the Umayyad lens. In fact, Majnun Layla is arguably a tragic romance in which the hero loses everything but his poetry.
