PERSIAN LITERATURE QUARTERLY
Year:2010 | Volume:5 | Issue:24|Papers Count:12

A rich and valuable source of Persian literature is the biographical dictionaries of the poems of different poets. Such biographical dictionaries can be studied from various perspectives, one being their critical approach and unique critical terms.The biographical dictionary of Majaaless al-Nafaayess was written by the famous vizier Amir Alishir Navayi in Joghataee Turkish in the ninth century. Two Persian translations were done at that time: one by Fakhri ibn Soltan Mohammad Amiri, entitled "Latayefnameh," and the other by Mohammad ibn Mobarak al-Qazvini, entitled "Hasht Behesht." This article criticizes and analyzes the latter translation.

The knowledge of etymology, which has various practical aspects in literature, can be used to help elicit the semantic aspects of a word in a better and more complete way by attending to its origin and derivatives.Presenting the etymology of the word "Adam" and its original meaning that indicates his dynamic and volatile nature and studying the psychoanalytical symbol of "complex, " the present article tries to present a religious and psychoanalytical analysis of these concepts.It also attempts to show how attention to these points can help a better and more complete understanding of the real nature of man and his trainability aptitude.For example, a literary-linguistic approach to this issue can be useful in a better understanding of mystic works, the most essential issue of which is the dynamic nature of man and his movement toward God. Meanwhile, we will also have a quick glance at Attar's Manteq al-Teyr.

The high frequency of the word "pain" and the relevant terms with various meanings and images as well as special concepts based on the word have made all of Attar's works distinct from other mystic poets' works. Focusing on the quality of Attar's works in this field, this article tries to analyze the relevant and effective factors in the formation of such quality.

A fairly correct and appropriate way to know the styles of literary works is to study and compare them stylistically. Two literary works can be compared in a style period. For example, Khajooye Kermani and Hafez occur in the same category (Iraqi Style); sometimes two literary works belonging to two separate style periods can be compared and contrasted.The present article compares an ode by Sa' di, representing Iraqi style (Iranian poetry) and an ode by Bidel Dehlavi, representing Persian poetry outside Iran, both having the same rhythm and rhyme.Bidel Dehlavi has stylistically tried to show a literary resurrection in his approach to the poetry of Iranian poets. Thus, in spite of rhetorical and literary similarities, some differences can be found in ideas, attitudes, and imageries. The comparison of the original themes of both styles shows two distinct period styles.

Nezami Aroozi writes, " One should get used to reading Great Lord's words and Mostafa's (PBUH) news and the companions' works and Arabic and Iranian proverbs and sayings." For Muslims, the Koran is the language of the heart and the reflection of beliefs. Listening to it represents a holy blessing. Islamic literature enjoys the same variety and liveliness as Islamic philosophy. In this respect, Persian literature is a collection of hints and precise and delicate points, replete with Koranic meanings. Mathnavi is a highly outstanding work of Persian literature that has utilized such senses. The present article studies this issue.

Dreaming is one of the most complicated and mysterious phenomena of the universe that has not yet been thoroughly discovered.On the other hand, given all this complicatedness and mysteriousness, it has assumed such a strong status in Iranian culture that manifestations of dreaming can be observed all over the life of these people. Inasmuch as Shahnameh has been a thorough representation of Iranian culture at all times, this article studies the reflections of this phenomenon in this invaluable and priceless work.

Being a perfect man is a pleasure that pleases every seeker of true knowledge, increases the love of God in his heart, and helps him identify with the infinity. According to Islamic mysticism, which is based on idealism, a perfect man is a man adorned with sublime virtues.In practical mysticism, the perfect man has passed the stages of perfection. He has passed the road of the religion and obedience to its principles and has embarked on a sublime and mystic understanding of himself. After a spiritual journey, he reaches a stage where he can realize his dormant talents. Then, as a result of the knowledge he has attained in his mystic conduct internally and externally, he reaches a stage where the truth of the universe is revealed to him.Based on the collection of ideas and thoughts seen in the works of all mystics, especially these three writers, a perfect man can be said to be a man who is a manifestation of Godly virtues, the ultimate cause of creation, the reason for the continuation of the universe, and a medium between God and people.This article focuses on the use of these ideas in taking the internal and external steps necessary to become a perfect man.

Iranian history from early times up to now has had great men, poets, and scholars, some of whom have occupied important pages of this history book due to their religious, political,... struggles. Sanayi and Nasser Khosrow are two outstanding examples. As social thinkers, they endeavored to enlighten the society and guide the people. These scholars were sensitive to social problems and political issues, dominating the society. They believed that new ideas and opinions are needed in order to improve political, social, economic, and cultural conditions of the society. Given the importance of enlightenment in human societies, this article tries to study and explicate the reasons and causes of enlightenment and its representation in various religious, political, and social areas on the basis of the versed works of these two great poets.

The variety of climates has turned Iranian plateau into a greenhouse in which various kinds of flowers and plants grow, and undoubtedly these environmental realities affect every Iranian's mind and language and the formation of his ideas.Iranian poets have profusely used flowers and plants in the expression of these ideas and their internal and mental images since they have deep meanings. The way flowers are used reflects their internal feelings and attitudes. Flowers and plants are the best manifestations of beauty. Sa' di, a great lover of beauty, attempts to adorn his poems with flowers. This is highly frequently seen in his poems.Imagery is so important for him that, using his very strong Poetic mind and his love and enthusiasm, he has created novel and beautiful concepts and senses in an eloquent and pleasant language.This article studies the red rose in Sa' di' s works to better understand their internal and external beauties.

Myths are the stories of the holy history of creation that narrate the formation of culture and civilization in a symbolic way. Myths can also reflect a kind of worldview to understand the philosophy of life and can make it possible for early men to relate with the divine world. Myths are made by copying ancient stories, combining mythical elements and using elements belonging to neighboring peoples.Like his name, the character of Jamshid is bright in history and in mythology. In Indian mythology, Jamshid is regarded as the myth of creation and death and has a status identical to God' s; in Gahan he is the myth of championship and heroism; and in new Avesta, by saving mankind from the cold, he became the myth of renovation and revival.In Islamic times, inspired by the ancient triple myths, the ritual Norooz celebration is attributed to Jamshid. He is said to be the founder of architecture, medicine, textile industry, and civil society.

The word Kherqeh (cloak) has been used fifty seven times by Hafez in his poems. It reflects its importance in this great mystic's view. This article presents some information about Kherqeh and kherqeh wearing, examines the origin of an important feature (its short sleeves), and studies why it was developed.