Matn/Pizhūhī-i Adabī (Sep 2024)
Analyzing the Place of Religion in the Novel Missing Soluch by Mahmoud Dowlatabadi Based on Eric Fromm’s Theory
Abstract
Mahmoud Dowlatabadi’s Missing Soluch ranks among the top ten literary works of realism in Iran. Despite the numerous criticisms it has received, literary experts have failed to acknowledge the significance of religion and the utilization of religious aspects within the book. The current study examines Mahmoud Dowlatabadi’s religious views in Missing Soluch, employing a descriptive-analytical and inductive approach. The objective is to highlight the significance of religion as an intrinsic necessity and a fundamental guiding principle in shaping individual and collective behavior and actions. To offer a pragmatic framework and systematic investigation, the author has analyzed the role of religion in this novel using Eric Fromm's theory of authoritarian and humanistic religions. The examples taken from the mentioned text demonstrate that authoritarian religions have had a greater impact on the formation and behavior of the characters in the novel, despite the similarities between the two and the direct influence of society on their religious beliefs. However, there are also discernible traces of humanistic religions in this work, which merit further examination and scrutiny. The research findings suggest that Dowlatabadi’s perspectives and the impact of land reforms in rural areas may have subtly influenced the novel's portrayal of religion and its significance.IntroductionThe relationship between literature and religion, as well as the incorporation of religious teachings into the composition and enhancement of literary works, is a longstanding topic that has consistently captivated several writers in Iran and across the globe. The dissemination of religious ideas in the subconscious minds of humans has been expressed in different ways, such as through the development and portrayal of realistic characters in literary works. However, it is worth noting that in Iranian fiction literature, despite the acknowledgment of religion by contemporary writers and their adeptness in crafting compelling narratives with a well-structured framework, there are instances where religious elements are intentionally disregarded or unintentionally overlooked, possibly due to a lack of emphasis on religious principles. They have received brief and superficial attention.Mahmoud Dowlatabadi, a prominent writer, achieved great literary recognition via his notable works such as Missing Soluch and Kelidar. Although Dowlatabadi’s works have made a significant contribution to the development of the Iranian novel, the authors of this research were motivated to study Missing Soluch due to its superficial and stratified portrayal of religion and the author's perspective on the role of religion in individual and social actions. They regarded this novel as a practical model for their research. Researchers should conduct an analysis and extraction of the objective manifestations of religion in Dowlatabadi’s thoughts and language. A systematic, principled, and scientific inquiry should follow, contrasting these examples with the religious and psychological viewpoints of Eric Fromm.Literature ReviewSeveral studies have been conducted on Dowlatabadi and the criticism of his works. One such example is "Objective Realities and Mental Truths in Kelidar, Missing Soluch, and the passed time" by Kahraman Shiri, which examines the influence of reality and social documentary experiences in the novels under discussion. However, there is limited research on religion in Dowlatabadi’s works. One notable study is "Criticism of the Story of Missing Soluch" by Mohammadreza Sarshar, which analyzes the characters in the novel. Another significant work is Mohammadreza Ghorbani's book, "Criticism and Interpretation of Mahmoud Dowlatabadi’s Works," which delves into various aspects of Dowlatabadi’s writings. Additionally, "Representation of Religion in the Novels of Mustafa Mastoor" by Sosan Bastani and colleagues explores the reactions and perceptions of religious individuals in Mastoor's novels. These works stand out as some of the few contributions in this particular field of study. Nevertheless, there is a lack of scholarly literature exploring the significance of religion and the influence of religious aspects on the religious behaviors of Soluch’s characters, from the perspective of Eric Fromm.MethodologyThis research is a descriptive-analytical and inductive study that relies on library sources to examine Eric Fromm's thoughts and beliefs. Fromm, a German humanist psychoanalyst, has investigated the role of religion in Missing Soluch. This method involves initially providing a scientific description of an event, followed by a focus on analyzing and expressing the causes, interpreting, and explaining them. It entails first acquiring knowledge of the facts and subsequently conducting an analysis. In essence, it addresses both the reasons and the methods, thereby facilitating a more comprehensive comprehension of the subject matter.ConclusionEric Fromm categorizes religions into two distinct groups: authoritarian religions, which emphasize commitment and obedience out of fear of sin and God's absolute control, and humanistic religions, which prioritize beliefs centered around concepts like love and the relationship. Missing Soluch, Zaminj's rural society experienced economic changes that caused disillusionment among the village's vulnerable sections. This led to widespread poverty and constant struggles for the landless small farmers, who suffered economic losses. Consequently, the small landowners' coercive and exploitative power forced them to surrender their lands. The novel primarily focuses on the impact of autocratic religions, although the first character, Mergan, embodies the concept of love, which aligns with Eric Fromm's perspective on altruistic religions. However, Dowlatabadi’s own beliefs likely contribute to the novel's subtle portrayal of religion and its significance. His views resonate with the broader theories of Eric Fromm, who identified as an atheist Sufi. The apathy displayed by the characters in the novel towards religious principles can be attributed to the implementation of the land reforms, commonly referred to as the White Revolution, in rural areas. These reforms led to the disintegration of the agricultural economy and the subsequent impoverishment of the population, leaving no space for religious concerns. By utilizing Eric Fromm's theories to examine the characters in the story, it becomes apparent that the novel exhibits signs of employing religion as a means to attain materialistic objectives. We can categorize these religious practices as autocratic, in line with Fromm's perspective. However, when considering Fromm's humanist beliefs, influenced by the communist ideologies of his contemporaries, it is clear that these theories do not entirely align with the characters' feeble and uncertain religious philosophy.
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