Contemporary Persian Literature

Contemporary Persian Literature

An Analysis of 'Christian Va Kidd' Through the Lens of Zygmunt Bauman's Concept of Liquid Love

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Mehraneh kouch pey deh
Phd of persian language and literature at University of Mazandaran
10.30465/copl.2025.50129.4206
Abstract
With the collapse of unitary and absolute narratives in the postmodern era, the concept of love has transformed into a collection of individual and diverse experiences. It's a multifaceted and fluid concept intertwined with social, cultural, economic, and technological changes. Love in this era is viewed differently by each individual and is constantly being redefined and reconstructed. One of these definitions is the concept of liquid love that Zygmunt Bauman used to describe the nature of emotional bonds in postmodern society. He argues that emotional bonds in this era have undergone a profound transformation from traditional definitions. The image presented of liquid love in Houshang Golshiri's novel Christian Va Kidd provides a clear picture of the transformations in emotional bonds in postmodern society. The results of this research show that the bonds in this novel are heavily influenced by the concepts of liquid love. Love is no longer a fixed feeling, but rather changes based on the inner references and individual desires of the characters. Loyalty and commitment to a covenant are not observed in any bond. What shapes a relationship or ends it from the characters' perspective is the presence or absence of the pleasure component. Sexual relationships exist extensively among the characters, which are not afraid to engage in them without fear of exposure. Incompatibility and conflicting emotions are frequent. Bonds end easily without any individual or social anxiety, and individuals freely seek new experiences.
Keywords
Fictional literature
Zygmunt Bauman
the concept of liquid love
romantic relationships
Christian Va Kidd

Subjects

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Contemporary Persian Literature
Volume 15, Issue 1
August 2025
Pages 111-134