Narrative Analysis in Sadegh Hedayat's Short Stories: A Freudian Psychoanalytic Approach

Abstract

This article analyzes the narratives in Sadegh Hedayat's short stories through a psychoanalytic lens based on Freudian theory. In this study, selected works of Hedayat, particularly stories such as "Three Drops of Blood," "Alive to the Grave," and "Dash Akol," are analyzed using key Freudian psychological concepts, including the unconscious, repression, the Oedipus complex, and dreams. The analysis focuses on the impact of the unconscious on character development and the narrative structure. The findings of the study reveal that Hedayat, through the use of symbols and metaphors such as blood, death, shadow, and mirror, indirectly alludes to the hidden layers of the characters' and author's minds. These symbols and images reflect the psychological conflicts, repressions, and inner anxieties of the characters, influenced by the unconscious. Additionally, the article demonstrates how Freudian psychoanalysis can contribute to a deeper understanding of Hedayat's works and enhance the understanding of psychological interactions in Persian literature. Finally, the article offers suggestions for future research, which may lead to further development of psychological analysis in the critique of contemporary Persian literature.