Critical Analysis of the Representation and Origins of Loneliness in Persian Novels of the 90s: With a Focus on Hortulanus's Theory (Case Studies: An madaran In dokhtaran; Atash; Rahesh)

Mivechy, Fatemeh; Faghih Malekmarzban, Nasrin; Houshangi, Majid

doi:10.30465/copl.2025.51898.4285

Critical Analysis of the Representation and Origins of Loneliness in Persian Novels of the 90s: With a Focus on Hortulanus's Theory (Case Studies: An madaran In dokhtaran; Atash; Rahesh)"

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

fatemeh mivechy ¹

nasrin faghih malekmarzban ²

majid houshangi ³

¹ PhD student in Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30465/copl.2025.51898.4285

Abstract

Loneliness and isolation are modern-day sensibilities whose consequences are very different from the achievements of isolation, seclusion, and seclusion in the classical era. For this reason, this concept is being rethought and redefined in the modern era. Hortolanus and his colleagues are among the theorists who have defined this concept in the modern world with its components and evaluated it in the field. The definition of loneliness in this framework is a mental and cognitive state that is linked to other concepts such as intimacy, a sense of belonging, and emptiness. The present study aims to examine and analyze the three novels ", An Madaran, In Dokhtaran " (2018), "Atash" (2018), and "Rehesh" (2017) based on this approach with an analytical-descriptive method. Accordingly, first, narrative data based on the central components of the concepts of loneliness and isolation were separated, and then the manifestation of loneliness, types, and contexts of the emergence of lonely and isolated characters in the narrative were analyzed. The main characters of these novels are each a type of loner, the most important manifestation of which is emotional loneliness, especially in the family. Also, the impact of the structure of society and culture on this loneliness is a special emphasis in these novels, and thus social loneliness and environmental isolation are a prominent feature in the narratives and characterization. The difference between the religious beliefs of the characters and the practical and realized manifestation of religion in society and the lifestyle narrated in the novel has also caused loneliness and isolation to be more prominent for the characters and they are more aware and sensitive to it.

Keywords

Loneliness

Hortolanos et al

Rahesh

An Madaran In Dokhtaran

Atash

Subjects

literature

Bibliography

Alberti, F. B. (2022). The history of loneliness: A history of a feeling (A. Rezaei Bayander, Trans.). Tehran: Bidgol.

Amirkhani, R. (2017). Rahesh. Tehran: Ofogh.

Bauman, Z. (2005). Liquid love: On the frailty of human bonds (E. Sabeti, Trans.). Tehran: Qoqnoos.

Tankis, F. (2015). Space, city and social theory (H. R. Parsi & A. Aflatouni, Trans.). Tehran: University of Tehran Press.

Soleimani, B. (2018). Those mothers, these daughters. Tehran: Qoqnoos.

Sanapour, H. (2018). Fire. Tehran: Cheshmeh.

Kalantari, A., et al. (2020). Loneliness in the city: Causes and consequences. Tehran: Tehran Urban Planning and Research Center.

Mijuskovic, B. L. (2024). Loneliness in philosophy, psychology and literature (V. Golshahi, Trans.). Tehran: Negah.

Hortulanus, R., et al. (2015). Social isolation in modern society (L. Fallahi Sarabi & S. Peyvasteh, Trans.). Tehran: Sociologists Publications.

Hortulanus¸Roelof & et al(2006). Social Asolation In Modern Society: Routledge.

Articles and Essays

Paya, A. (2008). Critical notes on the experience of Iranian modernity. Hekmat va Falsafeh, 4(3), 63–89.

Fazeli, N. (2003). Has modernity reached an impasse in Iran? Ketab-e Mah-e Oloum-e Ejtemai, 75, 24–26.

Machielse¸ Anja.(2015). The Heterogeneity of Socially Isolated Older Adults: A Social Isolation Typology. Journal of Gerontological Social Work¸ 58¸338–356

Fromm Reichmann ¸ Frieda. (1959) Loneliness, Psychiatry, 22:1, 1-15.

Giervegd¸ De Jong(1998). A review of loneliness: Concepts and definitions, determinants and consequences. Reviews in Clinical Gerontology, (8), 73-80.

Giervegd¸ De Jong & etal. (2006). Loneliness and social isolation. In D. Perlman, & A. Vangelisti (Eds.), The Cambridge handbook of personal relationships (pp. 485-500). Cambridge University Press.

Zavaleta, D & etal. (2017). Measures of Social Isolation. Social Indicators Research, 131 (1). pp. 367-391.