Literary Interdisciplinary Research

Sociological Reading of Gholam Hossein Saedi's novel " Azadaran-e Bayal " Based on Bakhtin Polyphony Theory

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Nemat Mansouri 1
Badrieh Ghavami 2
Reza Borzoiy 3
Jamal Adhami 4

1 , ph.D. candidate,Department of Persian Language and Literature ,Islamic Azad University ,Sanandaj Branch ,Iran

2 , Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature ,Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran

3 Assistant Professor,Department of Persian Language and Literature ,Sanandaj Branch,Islamic Azad University ,Iran

4 Assistant Professor,Department of Social Science,Sanandaj Branch ,Islamic Azad University,Iran

10.30465/lir.2026.8879
Abstract
1. Introduction
Sociological criticism is a modern approach to literary analysis that explores the relationship between literature and society. Novels, as mirrors of social reality, are particularly suited to reflect cultural, class-based, and political dynamics. This article examines Azadaran-e Beyl by Gholamhossein Sa'edi through Mikhail Bakhtin’s theory of polyphony. The central issue is how multiple social voices are represented and how polyphony is achieved in the narrative structure. The study aims to analyze the novel sociologically by focusing on character autonomy, dialogism, and intertextuality. The research questions are: What are the indicators of polyphony in this novel? And how does Sa'edi construct this structure? The hypothesis is that the novel creates a non-dominant, multi-voiced space through dialogic elements, folk beliefs, and literary references.
The literature review reveals a lack of comprehensive studies on this topic, making the current research original and significant.
2. Methodology
This qualitative study uses content analysis. The research corpus includes the entire text of Azadaran-e Beyl. Purposeful sampling was used to select sections with strong polyphonic features. Data collection involved annotating the text and reviewing theoretical sources related to Bakhtin and sociological criticism. The analysis focused on structural elements such as dialogic exchanges, prominent character presence, linguistic and ideological independence, and intertextual references.
3. Findings
The findings show that Azadaran-e Beyl exhibits a polyphonic structure. Characters have independent voices, and no single voice dominates. Dialogues are multi-directional, and the use of proverbs, idioms, folk beliefs, Quranic references, and myths enhances the text’s polyphony. Animals are portrayed with human traits, and open-ended narratives allow for interpretive flexibility. The novel also reflects influences from other literary works such as Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, Ionesco’s Rhinoceros, Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death, and Hedayat’s The Stray Dog. These intertextual connections contribute to the richness and complexity of the narrative.
4. Discussion and Conclusion
Azadaran-e Beyl stands as a successful example of polyphonic fiction in Persian literature. Sa'edi eliminates narrative dominance and highlights character dialogues, creating a space where diverse social voices are heard. This structure allows readers to engage with multiple discourses and interpret the text from various angles. It is recommended that similar analytical frameworks be applied to other Persian literary works to uncover deeper social layers.

Keywords

: Polyphony
Conversation
Intertextual Relations
Azadaran-e Bayal
Gholam Hossein
Subjects
References
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