Narrative techniques in “The Battle of Rostam and Ashkbous” (focusing on dialogue)

Subject Areas : Research Allegory in Persian Language and Literature

Masoud Sarhadi ¹ (Assistant Professor Persian Language and Literature, Islamic Azad University of Omidieh Branch, Iran)

Received: 2015-02-13 Accepted : 2015-05-20 Published : 2015-08-23

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Abstract :

The Battle of Rostam and Ashkboos is among the most prominent narrative literature and one of the best-written heroic battles of Shahnameh (The Book of Kings). Some features of narrative texts can be observed in this battle. Among such features is conversation or dialogue, one of the most important and difficult elements of narrative literature. Ferdowsi draws on this technique in this short epic. He unfolds the story through a humorous interaction and dialogue between the protagonist and the antagonist in a way that, while enriching the plot, develops the action, the suspense, the one-on-one battle, the climax, and the resolution-death of Ashknoos. Taking into consideration the character development and the tone of the narrative, this paper takes a look at how Ferdowsi has drawn on dialogue techniques to present this battle and tries to illustrate his dramatic artistry.