Evaluating the Relationship between Linguistic and Literary Elements with Author’s Ideology in Saeed Akef’s Works

Abstract

Abstract The present study examines the works of Saeed Akef, as a major writer of the Holy Defense Literature, in terms of linguistic signs and how they are employed to convey ideas. A close analysis of such works reveals how linguistic  and literary techniques are employed in the service of an ideological apparatus. The results indicate that the author’s intimate eloquence and abundant use of rhetorical techniques and Qur’anic terms, intentional and functional titles, allusive language, and religious satire are key features of Akef’s ideologically intense discourse. 1. Introduction The imposed war against Iran was undeniably a period of crisis and difficulties, yet it brought about blessings, particularly in the postwar era. Some scholars and artists, some of whom had first-hand experience of the war, depicted a victorious and epic image of the event through their memories and works. Saeed Akef is a literary figure in Resistance Literature. His memories and writings reflect his own experience as well as companionship with soldiers in the war. The Story of Winter, The Soft Soils of Kushk, Embankment Vacancy, Dance in the Heart of Fire, The Heavenly Travelers, Hajar in Waiting, Wonderful Memories, and Breeze of Destiny are some of his notable books. 2. Discussion Language carries and forms, and is also formed by, the dominant ideology. Any individual writing is a conscious or unconscious reflection of the personal ontology, values, attitudes, feelings, and prejudices of the time he lives in. Thus, verbal actions and reactions are closely associated with certain social belief systems (Fotouhi, 2013: 345). A linguistic and semiotic analysis of memoirs and the literature of the Holy Defense reveals that they follow a densely ideological discourse and are replete with value-bound elements. These features distinguish the Holy Defense literature from other contemporary writings. 2.1. Linguistic elements and induction of thought Words and expressions with religious connotations are linguistic notions projecting the inner feelings of the writer. They are highly motivating and link the writer's intention with the textual interpretation of the writing. Akef’s oeuvre abounds with his ideological orientations and represents omnipresence of God in human life, and the functionality of the Holy Book, and belief in the other world in realizing human aspirations. 2.2. Interactions between the literature and ideology Literary techniques and rhetorical aesthetics are rarely observed in the works of Akef. In fact, he adopts a simple and direct discourse in conveying the intended idea to the reader and mostly averts literary figures such as symbolism and metaphoric language. 3. Conclusion A linguistic examination of the writings of Saeed Akef shows that colloquial and direct language is the stylistic key he adopts in rendering his ideas and keeping the interest of his readers. Results of our analysis demonstrate that religious and revolutionary terms, mystic discourse, emphatic rhetoric, allusions, and metaphor are linguistic features of the writings of Akef. Indeed, these linguistic constructs are employed by the writer to induce the envisioned value system.