Reflection of the Woman in Poetry of Abū al-ʿAlāʾ al-Maʿarrī and Khāqāni Shervani From the Perspective of Comparative Literature

Document Type : research article

Authors

• Sayyed Mehdi Masboogh ¹
• Rasoul Fathi Mozaffari ²
• Javad Mohammadzadeh ³

¹ Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, Bu- Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

² PhD in Arabic Language and Literature, Bu- Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

³ Assistant Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, Mazandaran University, Babolsar, Iran

10.22067/jallv16.i1.54775

Abstract

This article examines the views of two poets, Abū al-ʿAlāʾ al-Maʿarrī and Khāqāni Shervani, towards women. Abū al-ʿAlā was a blind poet known for his pessimism, which led to his anger towards material life and its people, particularly women. In contrast, Khāqāni, a Persian poet recognized for the complexity of his lyrics and hidden meanings, is also noted for his pessimism; some researchers consider him one of the most pessimistic Persian poets regarding women. The issue of women occupies a central place in the poetry of both poets. Despite their negative views, they attribute significant positive roles to women, especially as mothers, elevating them from a state of inferiority to one filled with passion, love, and sublime spiritual feelings. This article aims to reveal the portrayal of women in the poetry of Al-Maʿarrī and Khaqani. This distinctive topic is central to their work and has been explored through a descriptive-analytical approach. The article follows the American School of Comparative Literature, seeking to identify similarities and differences in how both poets view women as mothers, daughters, wives, and lovers. It highlights the private and public motivations that have shaped their often hostile perspectives towards women. The conclusion suggests that both poets do not harbor hostility towards mothers; rather, they see them as sanctuaries providing comfort. However, regarding daughters, both express relief at their burial or death, albeit for different reasons. Overall, the lyrical themes in both poets' works are somewhat limited by their reliance on traditional meanings. The poetic landscape during their time did not allow for new interpretations; however, Khāqāni appears to have drawn more from lyrical meanings compared to Al-Maʿarrī.

Keywords

• Maʿarrī
• Khāqāni
• wife
• mother
• daughter
• beloved

Main Subjects

• Literary Criticism

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