EDENG 210: Persian Literature Module 2

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Questions and Answers

What name was officially requested to be used by the Iranian government in 1935?

Iran (correct)

Fars

Persia

Aryana

Which literary form was traditionally more important in ancient Persian literature?

Epic poetry (correct)

Dramatic literature

Prose

Lyric poetry

Who is considered Persia's most famous poet from the 12th century?

Sheik Sa’di

Firdawsi

Omar Khayyam (correct)

Nima Yushij

What significant change occurred in Persian prose writing before the 20th century?

Western literary forms began to dominate. Signup and view all the answers

Which work is recognized as the first and greatest national epic of Persia?

Shahnameh Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influenced the development of ancient Persian literature?

Arabic language and culture Signup and view all the answers

What was Scheherazade's strategy to avoid execution in the Arabian Nights?

She told captivating stories. Signup and view all the answers

Who is recognized as the most influential figure of the modernistic movement in Persian literature?

Nima Yushij Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason the king postponed the execution of his wife?

He found her stories fascinating. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best reflects the message of the six-line verse discussed in the story?

To achieve greatness, one must work hard. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Sinbad's youth is highlighted in the questions posed about his life?

He faced adventures and hardships. Signup and view all the answers

What character trait is suggested as vital for Sinbad's survival during his adventures?

Resourcefulness Signup and view all the answers

How does the author portray Omar Khayyam's philosophy on life?

Pessimistic and uncertain of existence. Signup and view all the answers

What was Sinbad's ultimate goal on his journeys?

To acquire fame and wealth. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic would best describe the ship captain in the story?

Pragmatic and strategic. Signup and view all the answers

What moral lesson is suggested through the characters and events in Sinbad's story?

Success requires persistence and hard work. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module 2: Persian Literature

Course: EDENG 210: Survey of Afro-Asian Literature
Professor: Dr. Joram C. Ausente
Learning Objectives:
- Trace the historical background of Persian literature
- Summarize selected literary pieces
- Articulate an awareness of how language works in literary texts and author's style

Historical Influences

Persia's literary development was influenced by the Arabic language and the culture of its Arab conquerors
Persian classical literature flourished from the 9th century to the 14th century, then declined until the 19th century
The name "Persia" was used by the Greeks for the land occupied by various Iranian tribes
In 1935, the government changed Persia's name to Iran, which means "Land of the Aryans"

Literary Forms and Figures

Poetry is a significant literary form in Persian literature, particularly the 12th-century poet Omar Khayyam.
Firdawsi's Shahnameh (or Book of Kings) is the national epic of Persia.
Sheik Moslehoddin Sa'di and Shamsoddin Hafiz are important lyric poets.
Persian prose includes stories, fables, histories, and conduct manuals.
Prose styles of the past often used rhyme and rhythm, but this sometimes led to artificiality, so its importance decreased.
Nima Yushij (1895-1959) was an important modernist figure in Persian literature.

Selection Examples

Selection 1: First Voyage of Sinbad the Sailor from Arabian Nights.
- Discussion questions: Sinbad's journey, his experiences as a young man, and his journey's effect on him
Selection 2 (Excerpt): Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam, translated by Edward Fitzgerald.
- Discussion question: contemplating heaven and hell.
Selection 3: The Gulistan (Excerpts) by Sa'di.
Literary Background: Legends surrounding Arabian Nights highlight the tale's role in escaping execution

Additional Notes

The studied texts were likely excerpts or summaries for educational purposes.
The module likely involves group activities and discussion.
Students are encouraged to reflect on the selected literary works for analyses and interpretations.
Essential study material may require exploration, research, and application to fully grasp the given concepts.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the historical background and major literary figures of Persian literature. Explore the influences of Arabic culture and delve into significant works such as Firdawsi's Shahnameh. Test your knowledge on the evolution and characteristics of this rich literary tradition.