Matn/Pizhūhī-i Adabī (Apr 2016)
Parody and Satire in Juwayni’s Tarikh-i-Jahan-Gusha
Abstract
As a linguistic device, parody has such a high power that can be used to reflect many controversial social issues in an improving manner. Parody and mainly satire, as indirect linguistic devices, are extensively used at the time of cultural and ethical crises to reflect and make the situation better, when no direct language use can be improving. This paper investigated that how AtaMalek Juwayni, like many other Iranian satirical figures and critics, has optimally used these effective linguistic devices in favor of social and cultural development. Through a satirical and critical view on many of his contemporary actions, beliefs, and events, and like a social and political reformist, he has reflected the existing problems of his time and tried to resolve them. The findings of this study also showed that his critical and satirical writings did not only include the Mongolians, but they also comprised the ordinary people, women, Khwarazmian commanders, Sheikh-al-Islams and many of the well-known figures of the time. It seems illogical to expect such a great writer to put himself at risk of death and his writings at risk of destruction through explicit criticism of the violent governors of his time. Juwayni's critics and satires are quite implicit and hidden that special consideration is needed to be understood.
