Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 18، number In Volume 5، August 2025 ، issue Number 111

A Socio-Semiotic Analysis of the Representation of Women in Four Bestselling Novels from the First Decade after the Iran–Iraq War: Focusing on the Elements of Superstition, Religion, and Nationalism

Narges Kazemizadeh (Author in Charge)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study employs a socio-semiotic framework to examine the representation of women in four bestselling Persian novels published during the first decade following the Iran-Iraq War (1988–1997). These novels prominently feature three cultural elements—superstition, religion, and nationalism—that contribute to the reproduction of dominant patriarchal discourses.

METHODOLOGY: Using qualitative content analysis informed by social semiotics, literary sociology, and feminist criticism, the study analyzes textual data extracted from four bestselling novels (Bamdad-e Khomar, Golab Khanom, Goli dar Shurezar, and Bazgasht be Khoshbakhti). The analysis is conducted at linguistic, visual, and discursive levels.

FINDINGS: Findings reveal that superstitious motifs (e.g., divination, dreams, candle lighting), religious practices (such as temporary marriage, invocation, pilgrimage), and nationalist symbols (including Nowruz, Chaharshanbe Suri, and wedding ceremonies) are extensively employed in the characterization of female figures. These elements predominantly function to reinforce traditional gender roles, strengthen patriarchy, and legitimize the prevailing cultural order.

CONCLUSION: Rather than reflecting social transformation or critiquing cultural norms, bestselling novels of the post-war decade primarily serve to reproduce traditional discourses and validate existing social structures. This study illustrates how popular literary texts can operate as instruments for the consolidation of social, gender, and cultural norms.

Keyword
Representation of women , cultural semiotics , superstition , religiosity , nationalism , bestselling novels , content analysis

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