GENDER POETICS & INTERPRETATION OF HAFEZ'S DIVAN: PARALLELS IN J. W. VON GOETHE'S AND A. VON PLATEN'S WORKS

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article provides an interpretative analysis of J. W. von Goethe's West–östlicher Divan through the lens of gender poetics. The methodology employs a triangulation approach, juxtaposing selected works by three authors: Hafez Shirazi, Goethe and A. von Platen‐Hallermünde. The objective is to explore how the German authors reimagined Hafez's love lamentations, focusing on their use of archetypal characters: the poet, the indifferent lover and the youthful, attractive cupbearer. The central argument posits that, despite Goethe's proclaimed affinity with Hafez, the West–östlicher Divan presents a conceptualisation of personal relationships that significantly diverges from Hafez's lyrical themes. Additionally, the article highlights didactic shifts in character functions and a satirical, even parodic, distortion of the Quranic narrative of Yusuf and Zulaikha. In contrast to Goethe, Platen's imitative love lyrics more faithfully replicate Hafez's narrative and stylistic motifs within a German cultural context.