Typology of Loneliness in Eight Books by Sohrab Sepehri

Abstract

Most people perceive loneliness as being physically distant from others or remaining isolated from society; however, it is often the case that a person may experience loneliness even in the presence of others. Closer contemplation of the concept of loneliness reveals its broader dimensions and various types and manifestations. This theoretical study employs a descriptive-analytical method and draws on library-based research to examine the typologies of loneliness in Eight Books by Sohrab Sepehri. To achieve this goal, Irvin Yalom’s theory of existential psychotherapy was used as the foundation for classifying loneliness into three categories: interpersonal loneliness, intrapersonal loneliness, and existential loneliness (Yalom, 1980). However, since our objective extended beyond identifying types of loneliness to also include exploring the causes and expressions of loneliness in Sepehri’s poetry—dimensions not explicitly addressed by Yalom—we additionally incorporated the theories of Lars Svendsen (Svendsen, 2015) to investigate the causes of loneliness such as separation, bereavement, isolation, deliberate seclusion, disillusionment, and lack of mutual understanding as depicted in the poet’s verses. The findings of this research reveal that Sepehri, during certain phases of his youth, expresses a sense of loneliness rooted in separation. Furthermore, instances of loneliness due to a lack of mutual understanding with others are also encountered. However, the dominant form of loneliness in Sepehri’s poetry stems from his inclination toward a mystical form of seclusion. His poems in this domain—particularly from The Footsteps of Water to The Green Volume—serve as a gradual, step-by-step chronicle of his spiritual journey. From the initial stages, where he portrays himself as a bewildered wayfarer, to the final stages where he reaches his utopian realm in a state of Buddha-like tranquility, Sepehri captures and records every moment of what transpires in solitude and introspection through his poetry.