Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
Article Info
Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose شماره 114

volume Number : 18
number In Volume : 8
issue Number : 114

Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 18، number In Volume 8، ، issue Number 114

Reinterpreting the Characters of Nezami's "Leili and Majnoun" from the Perspective of Adlerian Individual Psychology

Sousan Valizadeh , Reza Borzoei (Author in Charge), Sharareh Elhami

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nezami Ganjavi"s "Leili and Majnoun" is one of the most prominent romantic works in Persian literature. The present study aims to re-examine and deeply analyze the main characters of this epic poem from the perspective of Alfred Adler"s individual psychology. The primary goal was to reveal the hidden motivations, striving for superiority, lifestyles, degree of social interest, and fictional finalism of ten key characters (Leili, Majnoun, Leili"s parents, Majnoun"s parents, Ibn Salam, Nawfal, Salim Ameri, and Salam Baghdadi) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological structure of this immortal literary work.

METHODOLOGY: This research is of a descriptive-analytical nature. It utilizes the concepts of Adlerian individual psychology to content-analyze the verses related to each character in Nezami"s poem. Necessary evidence and examples were extracted from the original text to explain the findings.

FINDINGS: The analyses showed that feelings of inferiority, in various forms (inability to love, preserving honor, treating a child"s illness), are present in most of the characters. The striving for superiority in some (such as Salim Ameri, Salam Baghdadi, and even Nawfal) leads to constructive action and high social interest, while in others (such as Majnoun and Ibn Salam), it results in unhealthy paths, isolation, or selfishness. The lifestyles of the characters also reflected how they confronted challenges and pursued their goals.

CONCLUSION: Adlerian psychology provides a powerful tool for understanding the personality complexities in "Leili and Majnoun." This research emphasizes how individual choices in facing feelings of inferiority and the direction of the striving for superiority (whether towards social interest and cooperation, or towards self-centeredness and power-seeking) determine the fate of each character and, ultimately, the overall narrative. From this perspective, Nezami has depicted human inner workings with unparalleled subtlety.

Keyword
Leili and Majnoun , Nezami , Adlerian Psychology , Inferiority Complex

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