An Investigation of Rostam and Esfandiar Tale on the Basis of Claude Bremon's Theory

In this essay, the tale of Rostam and Esfandiar which is one of the pivotal tales of Shahnameh, is studied on the basis of Claude Bremon’s theory. Since this theory considers the defeat of the protagonist as well, it is more congruent with this tale. Regarding Bremon’s theory, three functions of capacity, process and consequence exist in this tale and also the chain, concrete and linking sequences can be analyzed in it. Esfandiar before going to Zabolestan, Esfandiar in Zabolestan and his being killed are three secondary sequences of the story which are narrated besides the main sequence. The introduction of the tale and Esfandiar’s dialogue with his parents are located in the capacity level. His going to Zabol, his debate and fight with Rostam and Rostam’s seeking Zal’s and Simorgh’s help are located in the process or transition level. Esfandiar’s being killed and Rostam’s correspondence with Goshtasb are located in the consequence level which represents protagonist’s (Esfandiar’s) lack of success. Two types of character in the theory of Bremon, i.e. agent and patient, can be identified in Esfandiar and Rostam. This tale narrates the transformation of order into disorder and vice versa; that is, the primary order or harmony for Rostam and Esfandiar end up to lack of order for Esfandiar and finally return of order for Rostam. One of the results of this article is showing the unique art of Ferdowsi in narration and story-telling since all elements of Bremon’s theory exist in this tale. Ferdowsi has considered all narrative elements such as various situations, balancing the sequence of plots, considering psychological states and actions of characters and providing free will for protagonist and antagonist to choose their goal.