Dramatic Analysis of Shirin as the “Woman Possessing Consummate Love” in Khosrow and Shirin: From Archetype to Tragedy

This study aims to conduct a dramatic analysis of the character of Shirin in Nezami’s Khosrow and Shirin, examining her status as a "woman possessing consummate love." Employing a combined approach, the research draws on Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love and Jungian archetypes to explore the fundamental elements shaping Shirin’s character. The findings indicate that Shirin’s love embodies all three components—intimacy, passion, and commitment—while her archetypal traits, including beauty, chastity, dynamism, wisdom, sensitivity, and vengefulness, play a pivotal role in the dramatic structure of the narrative. From a dramatic perspective, Shirin, as the central character, undergoes a complex journey of transformation and transcendence, beginning with a consummate love and ultimately culminating in a tragic choice. Analyzing her relationships with other characters, including Khosrow, Farhad, and Shiruya, reveals that the story predominantly unfolds through their reactions to Shirin’s actions. Ultimately, this study may serve as both an inspiration for contemporary drama and a foundation for further explorations into the portrayal of romantic women in Persian literature as invaluable reflections of the Iranian collective unconscious regarding love.