# IV explained — The Luzumiyat

> Chapter companion for The Luzumiyat by Abu al-ʻAlaʼ al-Maʻarri.

## What happens

The chapter contrasts the quiet contemplation of the night with the bustling cries of market-men, suggesting a dismissal of worldly distractions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Illusion and Reality

The market cries represent the illusory distractions of daily life, contrasted with a deeper, perhaps more real, contemplation.

## Key lines

> And hear the others who with cymbals try To stay the feet of every passer-by: The market-men along the darkling lane Are crying up their wares.⁠—Oh! let them cry.

Listen to those who try to stop everyone with their noise; the merchants in the dim street are shouting about their goods—let them shout.

_The speaker dismisses the worldly clamor, urging indifference to commercial and social distractions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luzumiyat_se/chapters/iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luzumiyat_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_luzumiyat_se/chapters