The Essence and Necessity of Poetry from the Perspective of Davari Ardakani

Mirdar Rezaei, Mostafa; Balou, Farzad

doi:10.48308/hlit.2025.239488.1386

The Essence and Necessity of Poetry from the Perspective of Davari Ardakani

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

10.48308/hlit.2025.239488.1386

Abstract

Introduction

This article delves into the profound thoughts of Davari Ardakani on the essence and necessity of poetry, examining his philosophical contributions to this domain. Ardakani, a distinguished contemporary philosopher and intellectual, has articulated significant ideas concerning the nature and importance of poetry, drawing upon his direct works such as Poetry and Language and Poets in Times of Hardship, as well as indirect references in his broader philosophical explorations in texts like On the West and A Journey through Iranian Intellectual History.

Literature Review

While no independent studies have specifically focused on Davari Ardakani’s perspective on poetry, Farzad Baloo’s work, Iranian Intellectuals and the Language Issue (published in Persian in 1403 SH), includes an examination of Ardakani’s views on language.

Methodology

This study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, employing library research and a phenomenological methodology to meticulously analyze Davari Ardakani’s perspectives on the essence and importance of poetry.

Discussion

Ardakani posits a crucial distinction between “language of expression” and “language of indication”. He leverages Heideggerian existential viewpoints to elaborate on this dichotomy, emphasizing the contemporary dominance of the “language of expression” and the consequent absence or devaluation of the “language of indication”. Ardakani contends that traditional poetic language is intrinsically foundational, suggesting that humanity itself possesses an inherent poetic nature. He further differentiates between poetry as a divine gift and poetry as a product of craftsmanship, asserting that poetic language originates from the divine realm and that individuals endowed with poetic gift are the custodians of language.

Conclusion

In synthesizing Heideggerian thought with mystical philosophy, Ardakani offers a unique understanding of poetry’s essence. He posits that poetic language is fundamentally a “language of indication,” which necessitates an empathetic and intuitive engagement for its comprehension. Ardakani argues that contemporary literary criticism often obscures a genuine understanding of the poetry of masters like Hafez.

Highlights

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