Journal of the stylistic of Persian poem and prose
volume Number 18، number In Volume 3، June 2025 ، issue Number 109

Rhetorical Functions of Description in The narrative style of "You Are Not a Stranger": Autobiography of Houshang Moradi Kermani

Mahboobeh Shamshirgarha (Author in Charge)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rhetoric in literary terms is all the methods and elements that can be effective in attracting and influencing the audience. But ancient rhetoric does not suitable for the modern era. But ancient rhetoric is not very useful in understanding the modern era, and therefore, it is necessary to review its traditional structure, especially in Persian. The scope of life writing perhaps requires a new approach more than other writings. While traditionally, these writings have been considered solely historical writings, it seems that in the modern rhetorical system, it is necessary to recognize their aesthetic aspects, aspects that attract the audience due to their beauty or emotional impact. Unlike traditional literary criticism, which focused on the superstructural aspects of texts, in modern criticism, the narrative character is considered one of the literary characteristics of the text. In examining the factors that enhance the narrative dimension, the element of description always forms an important part of the narrative structure in the text.

METHODOLOGY: The research method in this article is descriptive analysis using library resources.

FINDINGS: The importance of the book What You Are Not Strangers is not only in the narration of the author"s life, but also in his creative expression style using elements to strengthen the narrative aspect, such as description. Considering descriptive aesthetics from a functionalist perspective, this article shows the creative role of this element, how it was able to enhance the reader"s understanding and artistic pleasure by strengthening the narrative aspect. This article also seeks to clarify some of the functional aspects of the book as one of the contemporary Persian novels. So that it became clear how the author was able to take steps to strengthen the literary aspects of the work, such as its emotional, emotional, and imaginative aspects, in accordance with the cultural context, and by intertwining this element with the narrative on the one hand, and with other artistic subtleties, transform this text into a coherent and literary whole.

CONCLUSION: Using the power of memory and imagination, Moradi has intertwined his narrative with descriptions of space, place, time, and characters. The use of this element has played a number of roles in this autobiography, the most prominent of which are explanatory (cognitive), illustrative, organizational, sensory, decorative (arrangement), and emotional functions.

Keyword
Contemporary Persian Literature , Life writings , Autobiographies , Description , Literary

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