Humorous Methods in the Poems of Leyli and Majnun

Humor has been a consistent presence in Persian literature since its inception, serving as a literary device for political and social critique, as well as a means to imbue works with a lighter tone. Nezami Ganjavi, a pioneer of satirical writing in the 6th century, utilized satirical techniques to not only critique the social, cultural, and moral milieu of his era, but also to infuse his narratives with an element of amusement. In his poem "Leyli and Majnun," the incorporation of humorous verses serves to alleviate the somber narrative and engage the audience. The rhetorical framework governing the work has provided a platform for humorous discourse and expression. Utilization of identification and simile as prevalent literary techniques within this framework has given rise to situational humor. Additionally, wordplay, a hallmark of the 6th-century (Arrani) style, has been extensively employed, contributing to verbal humor. Etiology and paradox, two other devices, have frequently contributed to tempering the story's solemn atmosphere. The humor in Nezami's works has been subtly interwoven within the layers of language, often evading immediate recognition, thus adding a touch of subtle irony to his verses.