| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Popular literature, which includes the rituals, beliefs, and traditions of each region, is one of the sources and foundations of fiction. Understanding these themes leads to a deeper knowledge of a nation’s literature. Iranian fiction has been divided into several schools based on the diverse regions of the country, including the Southern School of Fiction. In this research, using an analytical-descriptive method, we examined the influence of popular culture in the works of three writers from the Southern School: Ahmad Mahmoud, Mohammad Ayoubi, and Ghobad Azar Ayin. By analyzing and categorizing their works, we concluded that the reflection of popular literature in their stories adds spirit and depth to life. In addition to enhancing the human aspect of literature and creating empathy in the reader, it amplifies the story’s impact on the audience and conveys the spirit of the language through the narrative. In this way, these authors have contributed to preserving the rituals, beliefs, and language of their region—especially its words and expressions—while enriching and expanding the standard language.
Introduction
Every individual, depending on the society in which they live, possesses a set of rituals, beliefs, customs, and traditions, about which they may or may not be aware of how these came into being. Some of these customs and traditions emerge in society beyond the control of individuals and are, in a way, imposed upon that society. Many of these rituals and beliefs fall under the category of folk culture, and providing an exact definition of them is not an easy task. Popular rituals and beliefs throughout history reflect people's perspectives on the world around them. They gradually take shape, become refined over time, and change in accordance with the needs of the general public. A close study of literary works shows that poets and writers, due to their connection with the masses and their use of folk rituals and beliefs as foundational elements of their work, strive to preserve the culture and traditions of society over time and to pass them on to future generations. Elements of folk culture, despite undergoing changes in their outward form, are continually repeated in literary masterpieces and provide the foundation for the creation of new themes by poets and writers (Sarfi, 2006: 107).
If we accept that time or narrative reflects the cultural, political, and social environment in which a writer lived and grew, then without a doubt, the rituals and beliefs shared by the general public in that environment are, in some way, reflected in their stories—especially those with regional characteristics. In fact, writers, by incorporating folk rituals and beliefs into their stories, emphasize the authenticity of cultural identity and seek to preserve the markers of this identity through their work. Among these writers are those who feel a deep attachment to these beliefs as part of their lived experience and endeavor to safeguard them.
One such storytelling tradition, where regional characteristics are strongly present, is the Southern School of fiction writing. In this study, we aim to examine and explore these beliefs and rituals in the works of authors from this tradition, such as Mohammad Ayoubi, Ahmad Mahmoud, and Ghobad Azar-Ayin.
Literature Review
No independent or dedicated study has been conducted specifically on the reflection of folk rituals and beliefs in literary schools of fiction writing. However, some research has been carried out on folk culture and literature, and we will refer to a few works relevant to this study:
Among these are The Language and Folk Literature of Iran by Hasan Zolfaghari and Iranian Folk Literature: A Collection of Articles on the Legends and Customs of the Iranian People by Mohammad Jafar Mahjoub. These works primarily focus on manifestations of folk literature in classical texts and pay less attention to contemporary literature and the reflection of folk culture in modern fiction.
Also worth mentioning are the articles “A Comparative Study of the Reflection of Folk Culture in the Works of Simin Daneshvar and Ahmad Mahmoud” by Najmeh Dari, and “Elements of Folk Culture in The Neighbors by Ahmad Mahmoud” by Shabnam Lajevardi Zadeh. These articles examine specific examples of folk culture in the works of Ahmad Mahmoud but do not address other authors within this literary school.
Method
The research method in this study is descriptive-analytical. This article aims to examine examples of folk culture manifestations in the works of Ahmad Mahmoud, Mohammad Ayoubi, and Ghobad Azar-Ayin, demonstrating how these elements are employed and how they influence the storytelling styles of these writers.
Conclusion
It can be said that the writers of the Southern School have effectively incorporated folk culture and literature into their stories. Among them, the variety, depth, and hidden layers of meaning in Ahmad Mahmoud’s works surpass those of the other two authors. The reflection of folk culture in his writing is particularly profound. His distinctive features include social realism, mastery in atmosphere-building, skillful use of native vocabulary, and seamless integration of folk culture into his narratives.
Folk literature is deeply connected to mystery and imagination. Ahmad Mahmoud adeptly employs elements of fantasy, imagination, and legend in his stories. Drawing on storytelling techniques, lived experience, and a deep familiarity with the folk culture of southern Iran, he creates a compelling blend of myth, fantasy, and reality.
In Mohammad Ayoubi’s stories, references to death, demons, shadows, spiritual doubles, and folk poetry—particularly in the Dezfuli dialect—appear frequently. Although Ayoubi is an introspective writer, his works address aspects of everyday life, folk culture, and the social history of marginalized people of his time. A portion of the social history of southern Iran in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s is artistically reflected in his stories. He often introduces contrasts or oppositions in his narratives, allowing readers to form their own unique interpretations. In fact, these contrasts serve to express ideas that cannot be stated explicitly. These profound themes and reflective elements have influenced both his storytelling style and his identity as a writer.
The frequency of folk expressions, idioms, and colloquialisms in Ghobad Azar-Ayin’s stories is higher, and the southern characteristics in his works are more striking than those of the other two writers. In particular, the culture and vocabulary common among the Bakhtiari people of the South have become defining features of his writing.
These authors possess a comprehensive understanding of the environment and region in which their stories take place, and they successfully convey this knowledge and experience to readers through appropriate form and language.
Folk customs and beliefs are deeply embedded in the stories of the writers of the Southern School of fiction writing. These customs and beliefs are interwoven into the fabric of their narratives, making them engaging, authentic, and imbued with mystery. The authors of this school have inspired interest in preserving and re-examining these cultural elements. By reflecting folk culture in their stories, they not only foster a sense of empathy and intimacy in readers but also enrich the cultural depth of their narratives. Furthermore, they help preserve idioms, proverbs, customs, beliefs, phrases, and the beauty of the Persian language, thereby contributing to the enrichment of the standard language.
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