Persian Literature

•Persian literature refers to the body of

writings in Modern Persian, the form of
the Persian language that emerged in the
19th century, especially in northeastern
Iran. The first writings in Modern Persian
were in verse. As prose translation from
Arabic were made, improvements based
on Arab literary conventions and the use
of literary devices, were introduced.
• The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam, which
scattered philosophical quatrains of rare
music and charm, was written in answer to
the many questions about life. What makes
it outstanding is the fact that these verses
were written, not by a man of letters, but by
a famous mathematician and astronomer
who lived in Persia in the eleventh century
for the readers of the western world.
• 1. The Bird of Time has but a little way To fly -- and Lo! the Bird is on
the Wing.
a. Life is short
b. Birds cannot fly for a long time.
c. Birds die fast.
• 2. The Worldly Hope men set their Hearts upon Turns Ashes -- or it
prospers;
a. Men‗s desires either fail or succeed.
b. Men burn their hopes.
c. When men hope, their hurts burn.
• 3. How Sultan after Sultan with his Pomp Abode his Hour or two and
went his way.
a. No matter how rich a person is, time comes when he becomes
poor.
b. Even rich men just live the life meant for them, then they die. c.
A rich man does not stay permanently in a palace.
• 4. Oh threats of Hell and Hopes of Paradise! One thing at least is
certain--This Life flies:
a. Life is destined for hell or paradise.
b. Everyone should think about hell and paradise.
c. Life on earth soon ends.
• 5. One thing is certain and the rest is lies; The Flower that once is
blown forever dies.
a. All flowers die after it has bloomed.
b. Only one thing is certain in this world; all that live, die.
c. Once a thing dies, it does not live again.