Characteristics of Persian literature and direct adaptation of literary works

Mehr News Agency _ Department of Culture and Literature: The use of Persian literature in cinema and theater works can be examined from various aspects and plays an important role in strengthening the cultural identity, artistic richness and attractiveness of the works. However, nowadays, animation can also be used to use this valuable reserve of literature and culture. Persian literature, with its rich and diverse features, is an inspiring source for making all kinds of visual works, movies and theater. Having attractive stories, philosophical and mystical concepts, and linguistic beauty, provides a wide platform for film and drama adaptations.

In the following, we will discuss some features of this literature that make it suitable for visual works:

Story-oriented and strong narratives

Persian literature is full of interesting, suspenseful and conflicting stories that have a strong dramatic structure. The literature of epic stories, the most important of which is Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, which depicts heroic and mythological narratives, lyrical literature and romantic stories such as Khosrow, Shirin, Laili, and Majnoon, which have emotional and human themes, and a large part of human relations, culture and history of the communities living in This land is expressed by symbolic and mystical stories such as Al-Tir Attar's logic and Masnavi stories that use allegory and symbols to express deep concepts. they use, and educational literature stories whose main goal is to cultivate the dignity of human characters and moral character, such as Bostan Saadi, Kaliliyeh, Demeneh, and Marzban Nameh. In general, the classical works of Persian literature are very suitable for theatrical and cinematic adaptation due to the presence of multi-layered characters and dramatic situations.

Universal and human themes

Persian literature expresses themes that are trans-temporal and trans-spatial, themes that do not lose their dignity and do not become obsolete. Such as love and affection, which is one of the main themes in the works of great poets such as Nizami, Hafez, Saadi and Molavi. Justice and the fight against oppression, which are the themes of most epic and heroic stories, the search for spirituality and truth, which is prominent in mystical works such as Masnavi and Golshan Raz and Logic of Al-Tir. These themes have the ability to be transferred to the language of image and performance, and although their origin is the great cultural Iran, they can communicate with the global audience regardless of language and territory.

Use of symbols and metaphors

Persian literature is full of powerful symbols and allegories that can be visually displayed in cinema and theater, examples such as Hodhod and Simorgh and the birds in the stories of al-Tir logic, Hay bin Yaqzan and all the stories of mystical journeys, myths and mythological symbols in the Shahnameh and others Mythological systems, historical and cultural figures such as mystics, kings, ministers and elders in the lands of this civilization. which are mentioned in romantic, mystical and educational literature, such as Hatem Tai, Khosrow Parviz, Bahram Gur, Bozorgmehr, Anoushirvan, etc., because of their multi-layered nature, these symbols create charm and depth, especially in visual works.

Linguistic and poetic beauties

The Persian language, with its literary richness and inner music, is a tool for creating effective dialogues. Examining each of these works shows that many of them have detailed dialogues equivalent to today's screenplays, the use of these stories, poems and noble prose can add depth to the dramatic scenes.

Variety of genres

Persian literature covers a wide range of genres:

Epic literature: to create mythological, exciting and adventurous works.

Lyrical literature: for theater and romantic visual and cinematic works and emotional dramas.

Mystical literature: for deep and philosophical films or meaningful theaters.

Educational literature: for television and film works, especially for children.

Humorous literature: such as the stories of Obeid Zakani and Lataif Saadi.

This genre diversity creates countless opportunities for adaptation.

Visual capacities and scene design

Many Persian literary works have strong mental images and brilliant scenes that are suitable for cinema and theater:

The description of nature in the poems of Saadi and Nizami, the scenes of battle and battle and hunting and negotiation in the Shahnameh, the embodiment of mystical concepts in the narratives of the Masnavi and other mystical poems, such as the journey of the birds in Al-Tir.

Cultural and historical values

Persian literature carries cultural, historical and identity values ​​that can be used in the representation of Iranian civilization and the introduction of moral and human values ​​arising from this culture. Throughout the Shahnameh as a document of Iran's national identity and in historical narratives, characteristics such as justice and chivalry and other friendships, justice and tyranny, settlement and construction, humility and kindness and many other moral virtues appear in different forms. On the other hand, the recreation of Iranian myths will be welcomed as important roots of Iranian identity inside and outside the country. Also, the moral and spiritual teachings in our didactic, lyrical and mystical literature are beyond the current borders and have universal value and are considered an important part of human heritage.

With the arrival of Fajr art and literary festivals season, it is necessary to remember that Persian literature, with the depth of concepts, the charm of stories and the beauty of the language, is an endless source for creating cinematic, theatrical and visual works. The creative use of this treasure can lead to the production of lasting and influential works that preserve Iran's cultural values ​​and shine in the international arena.