Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Persian Language and Literature, Hormozgan University, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran

2 Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Jiroft University, Jiroft, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

The creation of any literary work has a motivation or a reason to which the writer often refers or which can be deduced from extra textual situations. The importance of mentioning the cause of composition is such that in most epic poems, a part of the preface is dedicated to this. This article is conducted through a descriptive-analytical method, aiming to explore the reasons for composing Persian romantic narrative masnavis up to the eighth century A.H. It seeks to show what motivations poets had for composing their works and whether what the poet states as the cause of composition is always acceptable or should be treated as a fictional subject and an artistic motif.This article, by analyzing the reasons for composition in nineteen lyrical poems until the eighth century A.H., shows that these works fall into two categories: author-centered and audience-centered. In the first type, the poet has personal and individual benefits in mind, such as gaining of a good name, demonstrating his/her ability and skill, or receiving rewards from patrons. In the second type, the poet composes the poem at the request of others. The most common reason for composition is the commission by others, including those in power and courtiers, which is referenced in twelve works. Popular appeal and the public attraction to romantic stories are also considered the second motivation for composition, both of which are audience-centered. Among the authors of the poems examined, Nezami gives special attention to recording this reason and has dedicated a separate section to it. This article aims to explore the motivations and reasons that poets have considered in composing lyrical poems. 
 

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