The effect of the Serial-Story form on the stories of Hossein-Qoli Mosta'ān, based on the story of Afat

The serial story has been one of the informal literary genres in Iran since the Qajar period. The period of the greatest boom in Serial-story writing in Iran can be considered the years after 1320. The most prominent in this genre was Hossein-Qoli Mosta'an, whose stories published in magazines like "Rahnama-ye Zendegi," "Tehran-e Mosavvar," and "Sepid Va Siah" were in high demand, almost like gold. This article posits that in serial stories published weekly, character development and plot intricacies are often overshadowed by sensational events. This phenomenon is not solely attributable to the author's preferences; it also stems from the constraints imposed by the weekly publication format. To provide a clearer understanding of the article's content, the lengthy narrative Afat serves as the foundation. This article utilizes a descriptive-analytical approach to examine the subject matter. The evidence presented in the story indicates that the weekly publication format of serialized narratives has resulted in the neglect of character development in favor of dramatic incidents designed to captivate the reader. To enhance the commercial appeal of his stories, the author employs the technique of interconnected climaxes, which will be explored throughout the article.
Introduction:
The serial story (feuilleton), a unique literary genre in Iran that originated during the Qajar period, reached its peak popularity in the years following 1941 (equivalent to 1320 in the Iranian calendar). This surge can be attributed to a combination of political events that influenced the country's cultural and press landscape, leading to an era in which serial stories, primarily romantic narratives, gained widespread acclaim. Renowned authors such as Ebrahim Modarresi and Hosseyn Masrour captivated a large readership during this time. Nevertheless, the most prominent luminary in this genre was Hossein-Qoli Mosta'an, who was notably acclaimed for his serialized works published in prestigious periodicals such as "Rahnama-ye Zendegi," "Tehran Mosavvar," and "Sepid Va Siah.".
Methodology:
Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, this study elucidates that in weekly serial stories (feuilleton), character development and intricate plot details often take a backseat to sensational events. This phenomenon is not merely a reflection of the author's inclinations but is also a consequence of the constraints imposed by the weekly publication schedule. Using "Afat" as a primary example, the neglect of character nuances becomes evident as the author strategically incorporates dramatic incidents to sustain reader engagement.
Results and Discussion:
This article aims to explore the intricacies of serial stories (feuilleton), particularly those published weekly, and examine how the publication format affects character development and plot nuances. The study draws valuable insights from the enduring narrative Afat, which serves as the foundation for this analysis. Spanning over seven years and comprising more than 300 issues in the magazine "Tehran-e Mosavvar, Afat provides a comprehensive case study to understand the constraints and influences that shape the art of writing serial stories (feuilleton).
Conclusion:
Furthermore, this article explores the commercial aspects of serial story (feuilleton) writing, highlighting the author's skillful use of interconnected climaxes as a strategy to enhance marketability. The findings emphasize how the weekly publication format influences the narrative structure, prioritizing engaging events over nuanced character development. In essence, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics inherent in serial stories (feuilleton), illuminating the delicate balance between commercial success and literary depth within this unique genre.