Saadi’s Way of Using of Simile

From any point of view, it is undeniable that Saadi’s work is innovative and singular. However, as far as similes are concerned, Saadi does not seem to be innovative. Simile is considered as a prominent stylistic element to the extent that change in style is attributed to change of similes. It is considered as the manifestation of the poet’s worldview. But, Saadi’s similes do not show newness with regard to the properties they assign to the topics (tenors). Yet, the point is that the distinctiveness of his similes does not lie in the properties, but in the vehicles that he employs. That is, he uses familiar properties of the literary tradition but unexpected and unfamiliar vehicles. This unpredictable use of vehicles is an influential factor in the formation of Saadi’s unique style. Obviously, Saadi’s greatness is not merely because of the similes he uses; rather it is perceivable in all the layers of his works. Examining the main elements of Saadi’s works with a special focus on the similes, this paper, in particular, addresses the element of unexpectedness in them.