An Intellectual Affinity Between Hašt Ketāb (Eight Books) by Sepehri and Fruits of the Earth by Gide

ABSTRACT Comparative study of literature across nations is an important part of literary research. In this regard, making a comparison between masterpieces and popular works is of special importance because such studies can reflect human mute eloquence and pave the way for global unity and the union of hearts. Using a descriptive, analytic, and comparative method, the present study aims to make a comparison between Fruits of the Earth by Andre Gide and Hašt Ketāb (Eight Books) by Sohrāb Sepehri as two seminal works that have aroused the interest of the audiences and received their approval. Gide and Sephri have a close affinity for highlighting human concerns. Their common tastes and interests including purity, naturalism, love for travel, satirical writing, scriptural tone, and ecstatic and melancholic reflections have made their resemblance more conspicuous, insomuch that the predominant ideology in Hašt Ketāb and Fruits of the Earth, apart from some trivial nuances, is identical. The significance of observation, rejecting preference, detachment, and living in the present moment (carpe diem) are the gist of the above-mentioned books, implying an affinity between Gide’s and Sepehri’s ideas.