Hafez's Challenge with Utilitarian Research-Oriented Reason in Persian Literature مقالة

خلاصة:

This research seeks to examine the historical-social roots of the conflict with reason in mystical works, especially the Divan of Hafez. The word 'reason' (aql) is used nearly fifty times in the Divan of Hafez; considering the five periods of the poet's life, an attempt has been made to establish and present a justifiable connection between the ups and downs of the poet's socio-essential life and his optimistic perception of reason at the beginning versus his aversion to and opposition of reason at the end of his life. The research shows that in the first period, when he is still young and has not yet attained synthetic and mature thoughts, Hafez has a conventional attitude toward reason. The second period of his life coincides with the peak of moral and social decline. Hafez realizes that nothing can be achieved through sound reason to face this situation, and consequently turns to Sufism and begins to disparage reason as a deception. In the third period of his life—coinciding with the early years of Shah Shuja's reign—the situation is relatively better, but Hafez is too mature to fall into superficial optimism. Unlike the previous period, Hafez does not fiercely attack practical reason, but his devotion, seizing opportunities, and criticism of social conditions and the reason of the times remain the main themes of his poetry. The fourth and fifth periods of his life, which begin with changes in the character and political conduct of Shah Shuja, see Hafez reaching perfection, maturity, and wisdom; he views reason from a higher court and horizon—beyond the horizon of 'Rendi' (dissolute wisdom)—and mocks its capabilities. Before presenting the main problem of the research, it must be noted that in examining works like the Divan of Hafez, it is difficult to draw a clear line between sociology and literature; therefore, some experts are correct in saying that, in fact, literature is not a reflection of the social process, but rather the essence and summary of the history of social transformations. Furthermore, if we accept that the arts, including literature, are a dynamic element of every society's culture, and culture is the essence of social life, the above point seems thoughtful, as perhaps realistic literature and sociology cannot be easily considered two separate intellectual valleys.