The semantic aesthetic function of bodily messaging in Anuri's sonnets based on body philosophy

Corporeal communication is a clear expression of non-verbal communication by means of the body and its nuances that takes shape in interpersonal relationships. This form of communication may be intentional or unintentional and be accompanied by verbal features or not, and functions as an extra-linguistic factor. In Persian literature, Anvari is among the poets who have used corporeal elements in their compositions; in particular, these are common in Anvari’s ghazals (~sonnets). The present study, employing a descriptive-analytical methodology and drawing on a philosophical theory of the body, examines twelve approaches in a total of forty of his ghazals. The research findings indicate that the highest frequency of corporeal approaches in Anvari's ghazals belonged to the ‘aesthetic’ approach, which enhances the artistic aspect of his ghazals. Other approaches, in the order of frequency, included: political approach; psychological approach; socio-cultural approach; biological approach; existential approach; gender approach; philosophical approach; metaphysical approach; and, semiotic approach. The abundance of these approaches and their distribution in Anvari's ghazals not only reveals the intrinsic essence of his poetry, but also reflects the predominant style of non-mystical poetry in the sixth century AH, which, in addition to being meaningful and thoughtful, is primarily form-oriented and crafted through linguistic finesse.