DefinePK

Abstract

This article studies the impact of French literature on modern Persian prose. The purpose of the article is to highlight the modern Persian literature which is influenced by French literary traditions. The beginning of modern literature in Iran is generally considered to be the period (1905-1911) named as Persian Constitutional Revolution precisely when Iranian literature, due to the influences of western literature and culture, moved away from the traditional Persian style and adapted to the new world. During the reigns of Nasir-ud-Din Shah and Muzaffar-ud-Din Shah (1906-1896), new political ideas and patriotic sentiments were being nurtured among the Iranians. During this period, a lot of newspapers and magazines were published, modern schools were established everywhere in Iran. The Iranians started traveling towards Turkey and western countries and thus Iranian people were amazed to see new sciences and arts in Europe. Since 1906, Persian translations of modern French and English books appeared in Iran. Relations between Iran and France became stronger than ever. The French literature including drama, novels and short stories became popular in Iran. As a result of this, foreign books were translated into Persian, and some of the new authors adopted the style of foreign literature, thus moving away from the Persian style of expression. This article will identify the influence of French literature on modern Persian prose and will also discuss the reasons for this impact.