Comparative Analysis of Protest and Peace Themes in the Poetry of Seyyed Hassan Hosseini and Mahmoud Darwish: An American School Perspective

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 razi university

2 Master's degree in Persian Language Teaching, Farhangian University

10.48310/alle.2025.4513

Abstract

A comparative study of the intellectual frameworks of poets from diverse national literatures and an analysis of their shared themes can open a window to a deeper understanding of literary and cultural commonalities and divergences. Such research can reveal points of convergence and divergence among different literary traditions, contributing to a better comprehension of the relationship between literature and society. This study adopts a qualitative methodology with a descriptive-analytical approach, systematically examining data based on the theoretical foundations of the American School of Comparative Literature. It conducts a comparative analysis of two central themes—protest and peace—in the poetry of Seyyed Hassan Hosseini (an Iranian poet) and Mahmoud Darwish (a Palestinian poet). The findings indicate that both poets, despite geographical and cultural differences, employ these two themes as powerful expressive tools to reflect their ideals. In the realm of protest, Hosseini blends epic and mystical language, drawing on religious symbols to articulate protest within a framework of spiritual discourse and sacred values. In contrast, Darwish employs an emotive language and tangible imagery, directing his protest against occupation and oppression. Regarding the theme of peace, Hosseini associates it with the concept of spiritual triumph, while Darwish portrays peace as the enduring aspiration of a people for a life of freedom. Stylistically, Hosseini utilizes classical Persian poetic structures, infusing them with contemporary themes, whereas Darwish elevates resistance poetry to a global level through formal and thematic innovation. These linguistic and thematic differences stem from the distinct socio-political contexts and value systems of the two poets. The primary contribution of this research lies in elucidating how shared human experiences are reflected through diverse cultural frameworks. Theoretically, it validates the efficacy of the American School in analyzing resistance literature, while practically, it underscores literature’s potential to foster intercultural dialogue. The findings may serve as a foundation for further studies in comparative literature and enhance the understanding of literature’s role in international discourse.

Keywords

Journal of Research in Arabic Language and Literature Education
Volume 7, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
September 2025
Pages 176-195

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