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"Kahlil Gibran is said to be one of the world's bestselling poets, and his life has inspired a play touring the UK and the Middle East. But many critics have been lukewarm about his merits. Why, then, has his seminal work, The Prophet, struck such a chord with generations of readers?"
I remember reading his book over and over when I was in junior high. I haven't thought about it for years but I think the answer is because the wisdom and beauty in his poetry is timeless.
I don't think it would be a popular today, because it would have a lot more competition. They're sort of simple-minded homilies - if that's the right word - and people like that. The Prophet isn't considered poetry, though.
I own The Complete Works of Kahlil Gibran and count it among my treasures.
The Prophet most certainly is POETRY. Noted in the article, one of the **best-selling poets of American history. I have loved this book since reading it many yrs ago...as have so many others.
While it is a bit simplistic, that is part of the draw. He has a non-dogmatic approach that speaks to all in such a lovely way.
Must poetry be complicated to be meaningful, good??
If you have NOT read this book, do so...at least once.
"Kahlil Gibran is said to be one of the world's bestselling poets, and his life has inspired a play touring the UK and the Middle East. But many critics have been lukewarm about his merits. Why, then, has his seminal work, The Prophet, struck such a chord with generations of readers?"
quote=Cida;24277011]I don't think it would be a popular today, because it would have a lot more competition. They're sort of simple-minded homilies - if that's the right word - and people like that. The Prophet isn't considered poetry, though.[/quote]
There are some authors that inspire an almost cult-like devotion in their readers. Ayn Rand being a prime (if deranged) example.
I'm not sure why Gibran is so beloved. Maybe it was his "I'm okay you're okay" philosophy? His poetry certainly never did anything for me, but hey, to each his own.
The morals that The Prophet have to teach us are very simple, but they're also timeless and expressed beautifully.
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