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The Analysis of the Love Relationship of Khosrow and Shirin in Nezami’s Work from the Perspective of Schopenhauer’s Philosophical Idea of “Will to Live”

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Graduate from University of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran

2 Professor, in Persian Language and Literature of Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Romantic narratives constitute an important part for the history of human culture. Nezami’s world-famous work, Khosrow and Shirin has some hidden characteristics, such as the purpose of love between Khosrow and Shirin, which could be revealed by the help of interdisciplinary approaches. The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer believes the main goal of romantic relationships to be reproduction with the mutual motive of procreation. In his view, the selection of the mate is based on external beauty and with the aim of compensating biological imbalances. Without having intercourse and producing children, the lovers eventually tire of each other. It is the principle of “will to live” that makes both parties blindly fall in love. Our research extracts eight major components about the purpose of romantic relationship from Schopenhauer’s book, The World as Will and Representation, and evaluates the stages of Khosrow and Shirin’s romantic relationship according to them. This analysis shows that in their relationship, none of the factors such as distance and loneliness, not establishing a marital relationship for a long time, the presence of competing narrative elements such as Khosrow’s loveless marriage with Maryam and having a child from her, and introducing Farhad –Khosrow's love rival– could result in a permanent reduction of attraction between the two lovers. Even after marriage, they remain in love until death. In this narrative, Shirin contradicts Schopenhauer’s views more than Khosrow. Our analysis reveals that by an idealist view of romantic relationship, Nezami first builds a lyrical theme but with a spiritual infrastructure; and then, contrary to Schopenhauer’s opinions at the beginning of the narrative, he leans towards spiritual love, moving away from Schopenhauer. Eventually, Nezami’s narrative stands in opposition to Schopenhauer’s point of view by honouring Shirin’s spiritual position to the highest levels and highlighting Shirin’s persistence on chastity in accordance with the common religious practice.

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Journal of Poetry Studies (boostan Adab)
Volume 16, Issue 4 - Serial Number 62
March 2025
Pages 81-104
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