Attar’s Techniques in Enhancing the Believability of Magical Realism in the Tales of Tazkirat al-Awliya

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

* Ph.D. in Persian language and literature, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad * Invited lecturer of Persian language and literature department of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman

Abstract

Purpose: The term magical realism was first introduced in the 20th century to describe the style of post-expressionist painting. Subsequently, writers were influenced by the theoretical concepts associated with this term and employed it as a storytelling technique. This technique is based on the fusion of reality with surreal and magical elements. However, the narrative style of authors in this school ensures that the extraordinary and surreal elements within their stories appear believable and naturally integrated with real-world components. Similarly, Attar, like authors of magical realism, utilized his storytelling methods to enhance the believability of the magical and astonishing events in Tazkirat al-Awliya.
Method and Research: This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to examine Attar’s techniques and narrative style in making the magical realist tales of Tazkirat al-Awliya believable. It also explores the similarities between Attar’s methods and those of magical realist writers.
Findings and Conclusions: The findings reveal that Attar utilized various storytelling techniques to render the extraordinary and surreal events in Tazkirat al-Awliya believable. By employing techniques such as a natural tone imbued with magical language, an omniscient point of view, the presence of witnesses at miraculous events, detailed descriptions, defamiliarization, literalization of metaphors, and the use of hyperbole and exaggeration, Attar either created a sense of wonder in his tales or amplified the magical quality of these phenomena.

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References

References
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Journal of Prose Studies in Persian Literature
Volume 27, Issue 56
December 2024
Pages 137-153

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