The Syntactic and Rhetorical Analysis of “Khaneh-ye Rushanan” by Houshang Golshiri

The story “Khaneh-ye Rushanan” by Houshang Golshiri is one of the outstanding examples of modern Persian narrative, which offers a new experience in narrative with its complex syntactic structure and diverse rhetorical techniques. This research uses an integrated approach to analyze the syntactic and rhetorical aspects of this story and shows how long and nested sentences, stylistic omissions, verb tense atrophy, and syntactic repetitions, along with rhetorical elements such as metaphor, symbol, irony, and de-familiarity, play a role in the formation of Golshiri’s specific style. The findings indicate that Golshiri, by simultaneously utilizing the capacities of syntax and rhetoric, creates a text that both leads to the mental and psychological layers of the characters and forces the audience to read and interpret the text in a multi-layered manner. Thus, “Khaneh-ye Rushanan” is not just a narrative, but an exercise in language and perception that challenges the boundary between reality and fantasy.
Introduction
Modern Persian literature, particularly from the second half of the 14th century (20th century), has witnessed profound transformations in language, narrative techniques, and literary style. Houshang Golshiri stands as a prominent figure within this movement, recognized for his significant contribution to elevating Iranian short story writing to an international level. Golshiri’s work is characterized by a unique synthesis of traditional Persian rhetorical heritage and a deep understanding of Western modernist literary trends. He employed rhetorical devices not merely as embellishments but as integral components of his narrative structure, transforming language into a vehicle for profound reflection and literary experimentation. This research focuses on "Khaneh-ye Roshnan," widely considered a cornerstone of Golshiri’s experimental approach, to explore the specific mechanisms through which he achieves this linguistic innovation.
 
Materials & Methods
This research employs a qualitative analytical approach, focusing on a close reading of "Khaneh-ye Roshnan." The methodology is grounded in the principles of stylistic analysis, drawing upon both traditional Persian rhetorical theory and contemporary linguistic frameworks. The syntactic analysis examines the story's grammatical structures, including sentence complexity, ellipsis, verb tense manipulations, and deviations from standard Persian grammar, informed by the works of Anwari & Ahmadi Givi (1381) and Baatani (1374). The rhetorical analysis investigates the use of figurative language, such as metaphors, symbols, irony, alliteration, and defamiliarization (ostranenie), drawing on the insights of Shafiei Kadkani (1370, 1380) and Shamsi (1381, 1382, 1383). The theoretical framework combines insights from classical Persian grammatical scholarship (particularly the works of *ma'ani*, *bayan*, and *badi'e*) with modern linguistic theories, including structural linguistics and functional linguistics. The analysis will also consider the broader literary context of Golshiri’s work and its relationship to the development of modern Persian short story writing, referencing studies by Rezagar (1390) and Pahlavan (1396). **5. ahlavan (1396).
Research findings
The analysis reveals a deliberate and sophisticated manipulation of both syntax and rhetoric in "Khaneh-ye Roshnan." Syntactically, the story exhibits complex sentence structures, nested clauses, frequent ellipsis, and unconventional verb tense usage, creating a sense of disorientation and reflecting the fragmented psychological state of the characters. Rhetorically, the story is replete with figurative language, including evocative metaphors, symbolic imagery, subtle irony, and a pervasive sense of defamiliarization. The combination of these elements results in a highly stylized and self-aware language that challenges conventional notions of narrative realism. The use of alliteration and other phonetic devices further enhances the poetic quality of the prose. The findings suggest that Golshiri’s linguistic choices are not merely stylistic flourishes but are integral to the story’s thematic concerns, contributing to its exploration of memory, identity, and the subjective experience of reality. The analysis aligns with observations made by Naserimehrabood (1393) regarding the complexities of the narrator in "Khaneh-ye Roshnan" and the insights provided by Hoshyar Mahbub (1393) on Golshiri’s poetic sensibilities.
Discussion of Results & Conclusion
The findings of this research demonstrate that Golshiri’s stylistic innovation in "Khaneh-ye Roshnan" is rooted in a conscious and deliberate fusion of syntactic and rhetorical elements. The complex syntax creates a sense of psychological fragmentation, while the rich rhetorical devices imbue the narrative with a poetic and multi-layered quality. This interplay between form and content results in a language that transcends its purely representational function, becoming a medium for artistic creation and a vehicle for exploring complex philosophical themes. Golshiri’s work represents a significant departure from traditional Persian literary conventions, paving the way for new forms of experimental narrative and influencing subsequent generations of Persian writers. The study concludes that "Khaneh-ye Roshnan" serves as a compelling example of how language can be transformed into a powerful tool for artistic expression and a means of exploring the complexities of human experience. The broader theoretical framework is informed by the works of Farshidvard (1364, 1376) and Shamsi (1383) on rhetoric and stylistics.