Journal of Poetry Studies (boostan Adab)

Reflection on the Rhetorical Techniques of Opening in Saadi’s Bustan Based on the Concept of Artistic Purpose

Mohammad Hossein Tofighzadeh; Mohammadreza Amini

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 21 July 2026

https://doi.org/10.22099/jba.2026.54233.4686

Abstract

Saadi’s Bustan stands as a remarkable example of Persian poetic rhetoric. Particularly in the openings of his didactic tales, Saadi displays his artistic ingenuity in employing ... Read More

Rhetorical Analysis of Persian Poetry Based on a Cognitive Reading of the Temporality of the Language

Mohammadreza Amini

Volume 17, Issue 3 , November 2025, , Pages 1-18

https://doi.org/10.22099/jba.2025.51401.4578

Abstract

Undoubtedly, to achieve a deeper understanding of the concept of rhetoric and to do a better rhetorical analysis of Persian poetry, one of the best ways is to take advantage of modern ... Read More

Evaluation of Two Cognitive Poetics Concepts of "Figure" and "Ground" and Their Aptitude for the Interpretation and Reading of Hafez's Poetry

Mohammadreza Amini

Volume 16, Issue 3 , December 2024, , Pages 23-40

https://doi.org/10.22099/jba.2024.47958.4428

Abstract

The emergence of cognitive poetics in recent decades has resulted in a new attention to the relation between language and mind as well as a focus on what happens in the mind when one ... Read More

Some Incidents of Imperceptible Artistic Devices in the Poetry of Sa’di and Hafez, Analyzed from a Functionalistic View

Mohammadreza Amini

Volume 14, Issue 1 , May 2022, , Pages 23-48

https://doi.org/10.22099/jba.2021.40603.4035

Abstract

Some Incidents of Imperceptible Artistic Devices in the Poetry of Sa’di and Hafez, Analyzed from a Functionalistic View Mohammadreza Amini*[1] IntroductionSublime and ... Read More Some Incidents of Imperceptible Artistic Devices in the Poetry of Sa’di and Hafez, Analyzed from a Functionalistic View Mohammadreza Amini*[1] IntroductionSublime and subtile examples of Persian poetry such as Sa’di's fluent poems or even Hafez's poetry, despite its complexities of the structure and hidden meanings, are usually pleasant, beautiful and completely understandable. In general the desire to discover the secret of this charm and greatness of the works of such classical authors in the East and the West has always aroused the curiosity of the researchers of language and the literary critics in the world. They have studied this problem of poetry, since ancient times till today from various perspectives such as literary schools, rhetoric or literary theory hoping to discover perhaps the most fundamental secrets of the glory of poetic discourse.Although Saadi and Hafez have their own poetics, Hafez's, resemblance and closeness to Sa’di is so obvious that sometimes they have been studied together in numerous studies. Research method and theoretical foundations The literary researchers, in their poetic studies have always tried to discover the most exact points about the form and meaning in poetry with a meticulousness regard in the subtleties of poetic language. They have tried then to name, analyze and classify these unknown mysteries of its magic. At last, they have recorded the collection of their knowledge in the branches of literary knowledge and theories. Based on these foundations we have tried to find and explain some incidents of imperceptible artistic devices in the poetry of Sa’di and Hafez, analyzed from a functionalistic view.Although the most important principle of the literary and artistic view in this article is to rely on the role and function that plays the elements and techniques in achieving the main goal of the work of art. Just as in the art of painting that all the elements of design, drawing, coloring glazing and lighting must serve the ultimate goal and the main purpose of the final oeuvre, the same principle is valid in poetry. From this point of view, the most fundamental neglect in the rhetorical and literary analysis of poetry is when the mere existence of poetic forms and literary figurers of speech is considered valuable and beautiful. In addition to it the lavish and bountiful terms to naming these artistic devices create a delusion.Another important principle is remembering that the brilliance of the artistic function of the literary devices has different degrees in different poems, but in certain cases, with a seemingly simple linguistic device, it is possible to writing the miraculous associations in the poem, which creates colorful and wonderful auras of meaning around a verse. Review of literatureUndoubtedly, the source of the ideas presented in this article, inspired and benefiting from the literary and linguistic teachings, is due to respected pioneers and promoters of literary and linguistic research in the world and Iran, and also the writers of a great number of books and articles written about the poetry of Sa’di and Hafez. They have been the source of inspiration for this article in general. The collection of this vast background, both in the field of literary theory, linguistics, and practical research, especially in the field of poetry of Sa’di and Hafez, is so extensive that it is not possible to mention even the names of a small part of them in this short space. However, none of examples of Sa’di and Hafez's poetry and their specific functionalist analysis in the present article are taken from the writings of others, because all of them are the result of the gradual achievement of the author's years of teaching and research. Discussion In the present paper after explaining the generalities and theoretical principles, the following questions are discussed in detail:The method of functionalist analysis of new artistic arrangements in the poetry of Sa’di and HafezAn example of functionalist analysis of the literary industry in Hafez's poetryThe necessity of searching and analyzing the hidden and invisible artistic devices in poetryAn example of invisible artistic devices in Sa’di’s poetryAn example of invisible artistic devices in Hafez's poetryCodification of theoretical foundations of artistic functionalist analysis in poetryComplete functionalist analysis of a short work in Sa’di’s poetryAs can be seen in the above titles, first the purpose of functionalist analysis method to find invisible arrangements in the poetry of these two poets of Shiraz is explained and then some examples of them are provided. After that, the importance and necessity of this task in terms of better understanding the poetry of Sa’di and Hafez has been discussed. Then based on these topics and their poetical examples, an attempt has been made to formulate the theoretical foundations of functionalist artistic analysis. Finally as an actual example, a short poem by Sa’di has been analyzed according to these principles and general principles in order to show in practice the value and efficiency of this new method in poetry analysis ConclusionNowadays this idea is spreading that by using a new perspective and having a deeper understanding of the oeuvres and the ideas of ancient poets, it is possible to reveal the secrets and mysteries of pleasant and beautiful poems such as the works of Sa’di and Hafez. Theoretical discussions and practical analysis of examples presented in the present paper show that merely raising this issue is not enough to achieve tangible results and objective achievements. Achieving such a goal requires a coherent theory and the clear formulation of principles and a methodical way of studying the poems.It seems that the introductory plan based on theoretical foundations and practical examples presented in this article can potentially be applied to the poetry and even prose of other great figures of Persian literature, especially if each poet's special needs and occasions are considered. Keywords: Sa’di and Hafez rhetoric, poetry analysis method, new literary devices, functions of language in poetry. ReferencesDehkhodâ, Ali Akbar, (1998), Dehkhodâ Dictionary, Tehran: University of Tehran.Ferdowsi, Abolghâsem, (1374) Shâhnâmeh, published in Moscow, reedited by Saeed Hamidiyân, Tehran: Dâd.Golestân, Sa’di, (1374), edited by Gholam Hossein Yousefi, Tehran: Khârazmi.Hafez, Shams-oddin Mohammad, (1371) Divân, edited by Mohammad Qazvini and Dr. Ghâsem Ghani, Tehran: Asâtir.Hasanli, Kavous, (1399) Bidel and the composition of astonishment, Tehran: Moin.Joweyni, Alâ-oddin Atâmalek, (1389) History of Jahângoshâ, edited by Mohammad Qazvini, Tehran: Asatir.Monshi, Nasrollâh, (2535) Kelileh and Demneh, edited by Mojtabâ Minavi, Tehran: University of Tehran.Rajâii, Khalil, (1359) Ma'âlem al-Balâgha in the science of meanings and rhetoric and figures of speech, Shiraz University.Read, Herbert, (1352) The meaning of art, translated by Najaf Daryâbandari, Tehran: ketâhâye Jibi.Sa’di, Mosleh-oddin, (1372) Bustân (Sa’di-nâmeh), edited by Gholâm Hossein Yousefi, Tehran: Khârazmi.Sa’di, Mosleh-oddin, (1374) Gulistân, edited by Gholâm Hossein Yousefi, Tehran: Khârazmi.Valery, Paule, (1957) L’invention esthétique, Œuvre I Variété : Théorie poétique et esthétique, Paris : Gallimard.Zaehner, Robert Charles, (1384) Zurvan, A Zoroastrian Dilemma translated by Teymur Ghaderi, Tehran: Amirkabir * Mohammadreza Amini, associated professor of Persian Language and Literature in Shiraz University, mza130@gmail.com

The Necessity of Doing Some New Editions of Anvari's Odes

mohamadhosein karami; mohamadreza amini; hamidreza kosari

Volume 5, Issue 4 , July 2014, , Pages 135-150

https://doi.org/10.22099/jba.2014.1646

Abstract

The complete work of Anvari,] Divan-e- Anvari[, was first edited in 1959 (1337 S.H.) by Saeed Nafisi and published by Pirooz publication in Tehran. The second edition of it was done ... Read More

A Study of the New Epical Aspects in the Poetry of Nima Yushij

Volume 5, Issue 2 , July 2013, , Pages 17-38

https://doi.org/10.22099/jba.2013.485

Abstract

The definition of epic has been changed during the course of time, especially in the modern world and in its poetic forms because of the profound changes happening in all dimensions ... Read More

A Study of Different Narrations of Bahman's Death and How He was Killed in a Battle with a Dragon

Volume 4, Issue 4 , January 2012, , Pages 113-132

https://doi.org/10.22099/jba.2012.473

Abstract

Ghafouri* M. R. Amini** Shiraz University Abstract A comparative study of different narrations of an epic, especially its oral versions would Certainly lead ... Read More

Choice Threshold: An Indispensable Concept in Studying the Literary and Stylistic Changes

Volume 1, Issue 2 , January 2009, , Pages 21-46

https://doi.org/10.22099/jba.2012.338

Abstract

Dr. M. R. AminiShiraz University AbstractIn Iran the history of studying the different Persian literary styles begins with Sabkshenasi [stylistics], written by Malek Al-Shoara ... Read More

An analysis of Hafez’s Poetry According to the I. A. Richards’ Principles of Literary Criticism

Volume 2, Issue 1 , January 0, , Pages 1-35

https://doi.org/10.22099/jba.2012.326

Abstract

An analysis of Hafez’s Poetry According to the I. A. Richards’ Principles of Literary Criticism Dr. M. R. AminiShiraz University AbstractIvor Armstrong Richards ... Read More

A Single-Verse Analysis of Sa’di and Hafez for a Better Understanding of the Basic Concept of Formalist Approach

Volume 4, Issue 1 , January 0, , Pages 21-40

https://doi.org/10.22099/jba.2012.227

Abstract

R. Amini * Shiraz University Abstract Formalism is one of the modern literary theories which has yet not been fully discussed in relation to traditional literary theory. ... Read More

Volume 18 (2026)

Volume 17 (2025)

Volume 16 (2024)

Volume 15 (2023)

Volume 14 (2022)

Volume 13 (2021)

Volume 12 (2020)

Volume 11 (2019)

Volume 10 (2018)

Volume 9 (2017)

Volume 8 (2016)

Volume 7 (2015)

Volume 6 (2014)

Volume 5 (2013)

Volume 4 (2012)

Volume 3 (2011)

Volume 2 (2010)

Volume 1 (2009)

Author = Mohammadreza Amini

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