Document Type : applied research

Authors

• Faezeh Arab Yousefabadi ¹
• Noshin Hassani ²

¹ Associate Professor of the Department of Persian Language and Literature, University of Zabol

² Master's degree in Persian language and literature University of Zabol

Abstract

In Persian grammar, the “adjective” is a word that reveals the quality, state, or attribute of its noun, manifesting in two essential domains: grammar and rhetoric. At the grammatical level, the adjective serves as a descriptive device with a fixed syntactic role. In the rhetorical domain, however, the adjective transcends this framework, becoming a key instrument of literary artistry by intertwining with rhetorical devices such as simile, metaphor, allusion, pun, and kenning. In the Hashtbehesht masnavi, Amir Khosrow Dehlavi employs adjectives extensively and skillfully, not only to produce vivid imagery and rhythmic language but also to imbue his verse with distinction and eloquence through rhetorical craftsmanship. This study, conducted using a library-based method and a descriptive–analytical approach, extracts all types of adjectives in the work, classifying and analyzing them across both domains. Statistical findings reveal that, in grammar, demonstrative adjectives occur most frequently, followed by active participial, simple, and relative adjectives. In rhetoric, simile-based adjectives have the highest frequency, with metaphor, kenning, and other rhetorical forms following. Overall, the research demonstrates that in Hashtbehesht, the adjective is not merely a grammatical unit but a central rhetorical element for generating imagery, evoking emotion, and enhancing the musicality of the poetic discourse.

Keywords

• Adjective
• Rhetoric
• Literary Devices
• Hashtbehesht
• Amir Khosrow Dehlavi

Main Subjects

• Rhetoric