A Comparative Study of the Garden Image in Classical and Contemporary Farsi Poetry

Since ancient times, gardens and literature have been linked in Iran's cultural field. There are many lyrical and prose works in which the garden appears in many shapes and perspectives. The purpose of this comparative study is to locate the picture of an Iranian garden in ancient and modern poetry. Following the identification of this image, the research will determine the differences and similarities between them. This qualitative research relies on comprehending the components of the garden, analyzing mental metaphors, and the sense of space. The method of conducting this research is qualitative and relies on understanding the components of the garden, analyzing conceptual metaphors, and the sense of space. These cases show how the image of the garden was in the poems of classical and contemporary periods. To conduct the research, 48 classical and contemporary poetry pieces were selected and studied. The criterion for selecting the poems was the presence of the word "garden" in the body of the poem and the ability to perceive this word as a conceptual metaphor. The research shows that the garden has changed in the image of parts, metaphorical mapping, and sense of space in classical and contemporary poetry. As a result, its image has undergone significant changes in classical and contemporary Persian poetry. These changes are in four general parts of analysis: elements (components, descriptive aspect, application), description of elements (natural, artificial, incorporeal, and human elements), poet's approach (detailed and holistic, openness and ambiguity), and the way of expressing the image (poetry image, form garden, symbolism) have been proposed. The changes in the form of the garden in the classical poem compared to the contemporary poem reveal an interesting shift in poetic representation. In the classical poem, the garden is depicted as conforming to the well-established pattern of the Iranian garden, characterized by its continuous, definite, and clear image. This portrayal aligns with the traditional concept of the garden as a harmonious and serene space. On the other hand, the contemporary poem diverges from this traditional representation by breaking the form of the garden into disjointed images. This fragmentation serves the purpose of creating an overwhelming experience for the reader. The disintegration of the garden's form in the contemporary poem reflects a departure from the structured and ordered depiction of nature found in classical poetry. Instead, it introduces a sense of disarray and complexity, challenging conventional notions of beauty and tranquility associated with gardens.