تحلیل ساختار زبانی و نشانه ای شعر «به باغ همسفران» سهراب سپهری بر مبنای نظریه نشانه شناسی پیرس
آرشیو
چکیده
در این مقاله با تمرکز بر ابعاد زبانی و نشانه ای، شعر "به باغ همسفران" از منظر نشانه شناسی پیرس تحلیل شده است. هدف اصلی پژوهش بررسی تعامل ساختارهای زبانی و نشانه های این شعر در سه سطح شمایلی، نمایه ای، و نمادین است تا نحوه بازنمایی پیوند میان زبان، انسان، و طبیعت، و مفاهیم فلسفی و معنوی روشن شود. روش تحقیق توصیفی- تحلیلی است و به نقش نظام نشانه ها در ایجاد معنای متن توجه شده است. یافته های پژوهش نشان می دهد که تصاویر شمایلی نظیر "سبزینه" و "شقایق" علاوه بر بازتاب ویژگی های حسی و بصری، حامل لایه های معنایی پیچیده ای هستند که تجربیات درونی و معنوی شاعر را به مخاطب منتقل می کنند. در سطح نمایه ای، نشانه هایی چون "عقربک های فواره" و "باران و بیابان" از طریق پیوندهای علّی و زمانی، به بازنمایی تجربیات زیسته سپهری و پیوند آن ها با عناصر طبیعی و گذر زمان می پردازند. در نهایت، سطوحِ نمادین، تصاویری همچون "واژه در سطر خاموشی" را شکل می دهند که نشان دهنده عبور از محدودیت های زبانی و جستجوی معنای عمیق تر است. تحلیل نشانه شناختی این شعر نشان می دهد که سپهری با ترکیب سطوح مختلف نشانه ای و بهره گیری از ظرفیت های زبانی، شعری چندلایه و تأمل برانگیز خلق کرده است که علاوه بر زیبایی های بصری و زبانی، به بازنمایی مفاهیمی چون پیوند معنوی انسان با طبیعت، فلسفه عشق، و جستجوی حقیقت وجودی می پردازد.Linguistic and Semiotic Structural Analysis of Sohrab Sepehri’s Poem "To the Garden of Companions" Based on Peircean Semiotics
This article focuses on the linguistic and semiotic dimensions of Sohrab Sepehri's poem To the Garden of Companions, analyzed from the perspective of Peircean semiotics. The main aim of the study is to examine the interaction of linguistic structures and signs in this poem at three levels: iconic, indexical, and symbolic, to illuminate how the connection between language, humanity, and nature, along with philosophical and spiritual concepts, is represented. The research method is descriptive-analytical, emphasizing the role of the system of signs in generating textual meaning. The findings reveal that iconic images such as “lush greenery” and “anemones,” besides reflecting sensory and visual characteristics, carry complex semantic layers that convey the poet's inner and spiritual experiences to the audience. At the indexical level, signs like “fountain hands” and “rain and desert” use causal and temporal links to depict Sepehri’s lived experiences and their relationship with natural elements and the passage of time. Finally, at the symbolic level, images such as “the word in the line of silence” represent transcending linguistic limitations and the search for deeper meaning. The semiotic analysis of this poem shows that Sepehri, by blending different semiotic levels and leveraging linguistic potentials, has created a multi-layered and thought-provoking piece that, in addition to its visual and linguistic beauty, represents themes such as the spiritual bond between humans and nature, the philosophy of love, and the pursuit of existential truth.
Introduction
The article situates Charles Sanders Peirce’s triadic model of semiotics—comprising icons, indices, and symbols—as a key theoretical framework for analyzing literary texts. This model provides a comprehensive explanation of how signs interact with meanings, enabling them to reflect human experiences through both linguistic and non-linguistic systems. From this perspective, poetry transcends its aesthetic form and becomes a rich and intricate system of signs, capable of unveiling profound and layered meanings. By employing Peirce’s semiotic approach, the article seeks to explore the ways in which Sohrab Sepehri’s poem integrates aesthetic, philosophical, and linguistic dimensions, offering insights into its deeper conceptual layers.
Peirce’s semiotic theory emphasizes the dynamic relationship between the sign, its object, and its interpretant, making it particularly effective for analyzing literary works that are inherently multi-dimensional. Poetry, with its reliance on metaphor, imagery, and symbolism, serves as an ideal subject for such an analysis. Through this lens, the article examines how Sepehri’s poetic structures and signs are interwoven to convey a complex interplay of meaning, reflecting his engagement with universal themes such as spirituality, humanity, and the natural world.
While Sohrab Sepehri’s poetry has been extensively studied within Persian literary scholarship, the application of Peirce’s semiotics to his work remains relatively unexplored. Most prior studies have focused on thematic, stylistic, or mystical interpretations of his poems, leaving a gap in understanding the semiotic underpinnings of his imagery and linguistic constructs. Analyzing Sepehri’s poetic images through Peirce’s triadic model not only reveals their aesthetic appeal but also uncovers their potential to communicate profound philosophical and spiritual ideas. This article aims to bridge this gap by offering a detailed and systematic exploration of the semiotic dimensions of Sepehri’s poem To the Garden of Fellow Travelers.
By addressing these aspects, the research highlights the unique way in which Sepehri uses language and imagery to transcend the limitations of conventional expression. His poetry becomes a medium through which the interconnectedness of language, nature, and human experience is expressed, underscoring his philosophical worldview. This detailed examination not only contributes to a deeper understanding of Sepehri’s work but also underscores the broader applicability of Peirce’s semiotic framework in contemporary literary analysis.
Literature Review
The article reviews studies in Persian literature employing Peirce’s semiotics, noting that most have focused on classical Persian texts, such as mystical and epic works, with limited attention to contemporary Iranian poetry. Researchers like Mirbaqeri-Fard and Najafi (2009) and Heydari (2014, 2016) have applied Peirce’s model to analyze mystical and narrative elements in classical texts. Studies by Sobhani and Veysi (2022) have examined natural elements in Sepehri’s poetry, though with different methodologies. This study contributes by applying Peirce’s framework to contemporary Persian poetry, specifically Sepehri’s work.
Methodology
The study employs a descriptive-analytical method grounded in Peirce’s semiotics. It identifies and interprets iconic, indexical, and symbolic signs in Sepehri’s poem. Iconic analysis focuses on sensory connections, indexical analysis explores causal relationships, and symbolic analysis uncovers metaphorical and conceptual meanings. This approach highlights Sepehri’s spiritual, philosophical, and existential experiences, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and meaning.
Discussion
The discussion analyzes the poem through Peirce’s three semiotic levels:
Iconic Analysis: Iconic images like "verdure," "poppy," and "the hands of the fountain" are analyzed for their sensory qualities and deeper meanings. For instance, "verdure" symbolizes life and growth, while "poppy" signifies warmth and resilience.
Indexical Analysis: Indexical signs such as "rain and desert" and "the surface of the concrete century" highlight causal and temporal connections. These signs link Sepehri’s personal experiences to broader themes like time, nature, and modernity. For example, the contrast between natural cycles and industrial time underscores Sepehri’s critique of modernity.
Symbolic Analysis: Symbolic signs, including "a word in the silent line" and "the descent of the pear," carry cultural and spiritual meanings. These symbols transcend literal interpretations, pointing to existential and metaphysical truths. For instance, "the descent of the pear" represents the purity of nature contrasted with industrialization.
The interrelations between these levels contribute to the poem’s overall meaning. The iconic, indexical, and symbolic layers create a multi-dimensional narrative reflecting Sepehri’s philosophical and spiritual concerns.
Conclusion
Sepehri’s poem "To the Garden of Fellow Travelers" explores the relationship between humans, nature, and existential meaning. By employing iconic, indexical, and symbolic signs, Sepehri crafts a multi-layered poetic experience that transcends aesthetic beauty. The poem invites readers to reflect on themes like the passage of time, the spiritual bond between humans and nature, and the search for deeper truths in a modern world. Using Peirce’s semiotic framework, the study reveals how Sepehri communicates complex ideas, enriching contemporary Persian literature.