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

The Artistic Functions of Allegory in Contemporary Ghazals (A Case Study of Omid Majd’s Ghazals)

Kamran Kasaei (Author in Charge)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Allegory has been used as a rhetorical device in Persian poetry and literature since ancient times. This beautiful rhetorical technique has been very efficient and effective in conveying the mental concepts and feelings and emotions of poets to their audience, and in contemporary poetry, especially ghazals, very notable examples of this device can be seen. Omid Majd’s Ghazals are one of these contemporary Ghazals, in which the poet’s ability to create images, new meanings, and convince the audience, along with the use of expressive language, is reflected in the use of allegory and the resulting imagery. The aim of the present study is to show how the capable poet has attempted to create images and expand the scope of imagination through allegory.

METHODOLOGY: The study method in this study is descriptive-analytical based on library studies and documentary research from two volumes of Omid Majd"s ghazals, "Yadgar Bahar" and "Hamra Baran".

FINDINGS: The research findings show that Majd uses allegory not only as a rhetorical device, but also as a meaningful and image-creating mechanism. A mechanism with the help of which images are strengthened and romantic moods are described beautifully.

CONCLUSION: Majd"s accuracy and attention in using allegory has increased the rhetorical capacity of his ghazals and created new meanings in his poetic language, which indicates the poet"s literary mind and high level of knowledge. With a firm tone and at the same time simple and deliberate language, he has used allegory to convince the audience, gradually convey meaning, and highlight poetic images, and his most frequent use of allegory in the text is metaphor.

Keyword
Omid Majd. Contemporary ghazal. Allegory. Imagery. Rhetoric.