A Comparative Study of the Elegies of Ibn al-Rūmī and Ahmad Shamlou: An Analysis of Linguistic Structure, Imagination, and Imagery

Abstract

Elegy, as one of the oldest literary genres and poetic themes, has taken on various forms throughout the history of literature. This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the elegies of Ibn al-Rūmī (a 9th-century Arab poet) and Ahmad Shamlou (a contemporary Iranian poet). Using qualitative content analysis and a comparative literature approach, the elegies of both poets are examined in terms of thematic content (individual and social), linguistic structure, imagination, and poetic imagery. The findings of the research indicate that Ibn al-Rūmī’s elegies predominantly revolve around family members (mother, wife, brother, and three sons), caliphs and emirs, prominent Shi‘ite figures, and the city of Basra. In contrast, Shamlou’s elegies are mainly dedicated to literary figures who were heralds of freedom, such as Forough Farrokhzad and Jalal Al-e Ahmad. In terms of linguistic structure, both poets utilize a firm and resolute language with philosophical and rational undertones. However, mystical elements are more prominent in Shamlou’s elegies, while Ibn al-Rūmī, through the use of fluid and gentle vocabulary and an imagistic style, depicts sorrow and lamentation with greater artistic finesse. Regarding imagination, both poets transcend conventional boundaries and navigate beyond the surface layers of language. Nonetheless, Ibn al-Rūmī demonstrates greater success in employing similes and metaphors and in conveying grief and sorrow.