Society at the Crossroads: Tradition, Modernity, and Urbanization in Asghar Farhadi's The salesman and Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman; A Virilian Analysis

Subject Areas : All areas of language and translation

Seyehedeh Keyhaneh Kafshchi ¹ ( Department of English Language and Literature, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran )
Roohollah Reesi Sistani ² ( Department of English Language, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran )
Hassan Shahabi ³ ( Department of English Language and Literature, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran )

Received: 2023-09-12 Accepted : 2023-10-07 Published : 2024-05-31

Keywords: Postmodern Urbanization, Tradition vs. Modernity, Paul Virilio, Urban Transformation, Human Identity, Technological Impac,

Abstract :

This article offers a comparative analysis of the societal implications stemming from postmodern urbanization. It employs Asghar Farhadi's The salesman and Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman as dual narrative prisms, grounded in Paul Virilio's theoretical paradigm. The study intricately examines the interplay of technology, culture, and societal dynamics within evolving urban landscapes. Meticulously exploring this terrain, it uncovers the nuanced tension between tradition and modernity, shedding light on the erosion of traditional values in rapidly modernizing cities like Tehran and New York. Characters' responses lay bare the dissolution of familial bonds and shifting social roles, reflecting broader urban trends. Through the lens of Virilio's "critical space" concept, the investigation reveals the transformation of urban environments into "cities of the beyond," marked by a swift influx of information and communication technologies. Additionally, the research underscores the pivotal role of cultural production, spanning literature, art, and film, in revealing societal perspectives on postmodern urbanization. By dissecting the reverberations of these shifts, the study offers invaluable insights into potential policy interventions that promote sustainable, equitable, and innovative urban progress. This article provides a comprehensive perspective on the multifaceted repercussions of postmodern urbanization, adeptly bridging literary works, theoretical constructs, and real-world societal dynamics. The urgency of comprehending the consequences of technology-driven urbanization resonates within Iran's post-war context and extends globally. The findings illuminate the intricate process of reconciling tradition with modernity, serving as a foundational basis for interdisciplinary research aimed at forging more inclusive and sustainable urban landscapes.

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