A Study of Ambiguity in Islamic Rhetoric and an Analysis of Its Types in Literary Texts: A Case Study of Hafez's Sonnets

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

PhD student in Persian Language and Literature, University of Birjand

10.29252/kavosh.2024.20222.3432

Abstract

Ambiguity is considered as one of the most significant elements in literary texts, playing a crucial role in evaluating various literary works. Given the importance of ambiguity in literature, this research aims to investigate the evolution of ambiguity in Islamic rhetoric and analyze its different types, aesthetic manifestations, and causes. By presenting the views of rhetoricians regarding ambiguity, this study seeks to understand their perspectives on artistic ambiguity and the distinction they make between artistic and non-artistic ambiguities. Additionally, it aims to identify examples of various types of artistic ambiguity and their aesthetic dimensions. The findings of this research indicate that rhetoricians have generally opposed complexity, intricacy and obscurity, but some of them, such as Abd al-Qahir al-Jurjani, have delved into the role of ambiguity in engaging the reader and providing aesthetic pleasure. This has led to a more nuanced understanding of artistic and non-artistic ambiguities, which was later less emphasized by subsequent rhetoricians. An examination of the aspects and examples of ambiguity in Hafez's poetry reveals that the musical, linguistic, and visual dimensions of ambiguity significantly contribute to engaging the audience and enhancing the aesthetic quality of the literary work. The great poet Hafez has skillfully employed various types of artistic ambiguity to present his poetry in its most sublime form. 

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References

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