Analysis of dialogue connotations in ROSTAM & ESFANDIYAR according to rhetorical figures

In classical rhetoric, two dimensions of words and sentences are expressed with terms like primary and secondary meaning; real and figurative meaning; or outward and inward meaning. The branch of rhetorical figures which focus on connotation is known as “the meaning” in Islamic& Iranian literary sciences. It can show the semantic areas of the text by analysis of sentences’ connotations. In the method of discussion, critics emphasize on subject matter and audiences, to find the final meaning. This essay reviews the dialogues of ROSTAM & ESFANDIYAR (from shâhnâme) through considering the situation of addressed characters and classifying of participants in dialogues to understand the artistic function of statements. The issuesare: 1. the theme and emotional impression have been expressed in the figurative meanings of dialogues. 2. dialogues have usually two functions: it connects or separates the events of story by its narrative roles; or reveals the feelings of characters by its emotional functions. 3. the common figurative meaning in sayings of ESFANDIYAR imply his critical position to political and ideological powers in shâhnâme- ROSTAM and GASHTASB. 4. the contradictory figurative meanings in sayings of ROSTAM imply his tragic position in the story.