The creation of Farhad's character based on principles of socialist realism in the play "Shirin and Farhad" by Nazem Hekmat

The life and art of Farhad, the unfulfilled lover of Khosrow and Shirin's story, has always had the capacity to be interpreted in Persian literature and other languages in different and sometimes conflicting with the original spirit of the story. Farhad's continuous presence is not only limited to the field of poetry, but also extended to the field of drama. Hekmat wrote the play Shirin and Farhad with an eye to the Nizami’s works, and perhaps based on a local legend as well as some the principles of socialist realism. In this article, which has been done with analytical-descriptive method, we have first listed the macro-Marxist concepts that were influential in the development of this play. Opposing the institution of monarchy, heroizing and leading the masses, favoring the inferior people and emphasizing public love over private love are some of these opinions. Then we have followed the discussion about what are the characteristics of Farhad's character that Hikmat came to this story. Farhad's militant and revolutionary character, as well as his ambiguous and mysterious face in legends, along with his huge and heroic stature, have made him a suitable person for socialist payment. On the other hand, Farhad has a bright face in Turkish literature. Turks have taken this type from Persian literature and cultivated it in various forms. Farhad's influence in folk literature, having dramatic structures and having a hopeful ending are among the factors that probably made Hekmat interested in rewriting and turning this story into a play.