A Survey of Antagonism and Negotiation in Story of Rostam and Esfandiar

Antagonism is the multiplicity of goals and emotions in man or between a man and a group of people so that it may result in tension among the mentioned elements. Antagonism in the story of Rostam and Esfandiar is a strategy devised by Goshtasb to Esfandiar. In the beginning of the story, Esfandiar and Rostam confront each other with no intention of fighting; they negotiate several times and in the end regarding their disagreement on goals they have no other choice but fight. This study, firstly, presents a summery of the story and then based on the theory of antagonism and negotiation, studies: 1.the kind of antagonism existing between the two sides, and 2. the solution offered by the two sides. The results show that the antagonism between Rostam and Esfandiar is that of purpose. The solution suggested by both sides of the antagonism in the first part of story is negotiation, however, in the end they appeal to force and Esfandiar is dead.