Cover of The Madman: His Parables and Poems

The Madman: His Parables and Poems

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  • 30 min read
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"The Madman: His Parables and Poems" by Kahlil Gibran is a poetic collection that delves into profound themes of identity, existence, and the nature of humanity, characteristic of Gibran's literary style in the early 20th century. This work reflects a philosophical exploration of the human condition through parables and poems, imbuing them with spiritual and metaphysical insights. Written during the early modern period, the book brings a unique blend of mystical thought and artistic expression. The content of "The Madman" is structured around the thoughts, musings, and experiences of a narrator who embodies the qualities of a madman, yet offers wisdom in his madness. He reflects on various aspects of life such as love, friendship, existence, and societal norms through engaging parables, like the tale of the scarecrow who finds joy in his loneliness and stories that reveal the darker complexities of the human psyche. Gibran addresses the struggle between individuality and societal expectations, exploring themes of conflict, love, and enlightenment as the madman navigates his own reality, ultimately portraying both the burdens and the liberating aspects of madness. This collection invites readers to contemplate deeper truths about their own lives and the world around them.

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  • Parables
  • Mysticism

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Produced by William Fishburne

The Madman

His Parables and Poems

By Kahlil Gibran

You ask me how I became a madman. It happened thus: One day, long before many gods were born, I woke from a deep sleep and found all my masks were stolen,—the seven masks I have fashioned and worn in seven lives,—I ran maskless through the crowded streets shouting, "Thieves, thieves, the cursed thieves."

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About this edition

This free edition of The Madman: His Parables and Poems by Kahlil Gibran comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #5616, released 2004-05-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Poetry, Essays, Letters & Speeches.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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