Reflection of the concept of superior and inferior in Kalidar based on thematic criticism

Abstract

The novel "Kalider" by Mahmoud Dolatabadi is one of the most prominent works of contemporary Persian literature, which, with its powerful language and extensive narrative, presents a profound picture of Iranian society and its developments. This novel not only narrates an epic and fascinating story, but also deals with a detailed and critical examination of the social and cultural systems of society. One of the main themes of this work is the criticism of the class system and its impact on the lives of individuals and human relationships. The class system, as one of the most important social structures, plays a decisive role in shaping the fate of humans in various societies, especially traditional and transitional societies. This system, which is based on the division of society into different economic, social, and cultural classes, often causes inequality, conflict, and discrimination. Thematic criticism of the class system, that is, examining and condemning this unjust structure and its negative consequences, has a special place in literature, especially in novels. The aim of this article is to reflect the concept of the class system in the novel "Kalider" from the perspective of thematic criticism. Using theories of literary sociology, especially the views of Marx, Bourdieu and other contemporary theorists. This research attempts to examine the different dimensions and opposition of the superior and inferior classes in the work. Social classes that differ not only in access to wealth but also in access to culture, education and lifestyle, and these differences facilitate the reproduction of inequalities. Literature is an approach that, by criticizing the class system, condemns unjust social structures and challenges them from the perspective of social justice. The research method in this article is an analytical-interpretive method that emphasizes the analysis of the main text of the novel and its connection with social theories.