Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 18، number In Volume 12، March 2026 ، issue Number 118

Analysis of the Element of Mood in the Novel The Bygone Days of the Old People: A Study in Focalization and Narrative Distance Based on Gérard Genette's Theory

Sajjad Ojaghi , Leila Hashemian (Author in Charge)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The novelThe Bygone Days of the Old Peopleby Mahmoud Dowlatabadi is one of the most prominent narrative works in contemporary Iranian literature. By employing complex narrative techniques, it provides a profound image of the social life and tribulations of the Iranian people in the past century. Focusing on Gérard Genette"s theory of narratology, this research analyzes the element of "mood" in this novel and examines how focalization and narrative distance are used in the structure of the work.

METHODOLOGY: This study has been conducted using a descriptive-analytical method based on Genette"s theoretical framework. By analyzing the text of the novel, focalization at different narrative levels and variations in the element of distance in different parts of the work have been examined.

FINDINGS: The results indicate that at the first narrative level, the narrative focus is on the character Samoon, and the narrative is shaped from the perspective of his knowledge and experiences. At the second level, the internal narratives of the characters, which are mostly presented as scenography, still refer back to Samoon. From the perspective of distance, the limited intervention of the heterodiegetic narrator at the first level directs the narrative towards pure mimesis, while at the second level, a combination of scene and summary is observed.

CONCLUSION: The analysis of the element of mood in this novel demonstrates the dominance of internal focalization on Samoon and Dowlatabadi"s artistic use of mimesis to create a vivid and dynamic narrative. These characteristics have made the work an outstanding example in Iranian narrative literature.

Keyword
Narratology , Mood , Focalization , Distance , Mahmoud Dowlatabadi , Gérard Genette.