Comparative Study and Analysis of Story Elements in Ghazals - Narrations of Attar and Rumi

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 PhD student in Persian Language and Literature, Urmia University. Urmia, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Urmia University. Urmia. Iran

Abstract

Persian poetry, especially in the form of Ghazal, has always been a medium for expressing mystical thoughts and profound spiritual themes. From its inception to its peak, it has undergone many transformations. One of the significant transformations is the use of the narrative element, which we refer to as “Ghazal-Narrative.” Attar of Nishapur and Jalal al-Din Rumi, two of the most prominent figures in this literary movement, have created a world of deep mystical meanings and symbolic imagery in their narrative-centered Ghazals. Therefore, this research, using a descriptive-analytical method, aims to conduct a comparative study and analyze the narrative elements in the Ghazal-Narratives of these two great poets. In this regard, an effort has been made to comprehensively examine and compare all these Ghazal-Narratives, displaying the similarities and differences in the use of narrative elements in separate tables. Additionally, narrative elements such as characterization, plot, conflict, symbols, time and place, point of view, and ending are analyzed, and the ways these elements are employed in the narrative structures are studied. The research findings indicate that Attar, as a pioneer in narrative-based Ghazals, provided a suitable foundation for the expansion and deepening of Rumi’s Ghazals. Rumi, in turn, creatively utilized these elements to recreate mystical themes in a dynamic and unique form.

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References

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Persian Language and Literature
Volume 78, Issue 251
July 2025
Pages 117-145

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 16 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 22 July 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 June 2025

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