A Study of Names of "Mashuq" (Beloved) in Sonnets

In lyrics، «Mashuq» assumes various names of which the chief are: «Mashuq» (beloved)، «Yar» (companion)، «Dust» (friend)، «Janan» (dear) and «Delbar» (sweetheart). Additionally، the term «Mashuq» is addressed or described using similes، metaphors and adjectives، a point that seems a rewarding study given its content، style and semantic sphere. This article addresses the trajectory of names associated with «Mashuq» in sonnet form so as to specify these names in terms of structure and to determine if there is any influence of theme on these names. At first glance، «Mashuq»، «yar»، «dust»، «janan» and «shahed» seem to have equal meanings and functions، but this research will clarify that although they are often used interchangeably، they have peculiar semantic applications. In this study، a general discussion concerns the terms for Mashuq in works of famous sonneteers and then a semantic investigation limits this endeavor to works of Anvari، Sanai، Attar of Nishapur، RumiSadi، and Hafez.