Analyzing the Story of “Parrot and the Merchant” in Masnavi Ma’navi Based on Dissemination Theory by Jacques Derrida

The theory of dissemination of meaning is a model that is a subcategory of deconstruction; based on which, the contexts and methods of pluralization of meaning in a text can be investigated. In this descriptive-analytical research, the story of Parrot and the Merchant, narrated in the first book of Masnavi Ma’navi, is analyzed based on Derrida's dissemination model. According to the results of the study, the story of Parrot and the Merchant is organized into ten parts; four of which are esoteric quests. These four sections, which have a narrative, interpretive, and allegorical approach, are placed under the category of transitional dissemination as the field of meaning in these verses changes completely and is detached from the narrative structure governing the story. In addition, in the other six parts in which Rumi narrates the story of the parrot and the merchant, only the first few verses are dedicated to the narrative and the rest of the verses include Rumi's explanations, commentaries, or interpretations, and the field of meaning changes as well. Due to this semantic transformation, it is placed in the field of stative dissemination.