Analyzing the Elements of a Well-defined Character in Savashun Based on Viktor Frankl's Logotherapy Theory

A healthy person, as being addressed in the current study, is always looking for a goal that makes his life meaningful. Viktor Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which is known as one of most pivotal theories of perfection psychology, gives meaning to a healthy human life in the light of the characteristics as “free will” and "awareness", "sense of responsibility", "meaning-oriented will", "love", "wise tolerance of suffering", "search for meaning", "responsibility to conscience", and "believing religion". The currect study aims at examining the aspects of a healthy personality in the two main characters of Savashun in Daneshvar's novel based on Viktor Frankl's theory. The current research implies a descriptive-analytical methodology and a library information procedure is devised so as to collect the required information. In the addressed novel (Savashun), the character traits of Zari and Yousef as the main characters have been analyzed from Frankel's point of view. As the results have indicated, Yousef carries most of the characteristics of Frankel's healthy personality and, at the end of the story, Zari gradually turns into a healthy personality after the events that happen to her.
Introduction:
To date, many psychologists have devoted more focus on the existing health aspects in human life and human talents compared to the unhealthy aspects of their existence. They are also interested in identifying and nurturing these talents and human flourishing. Literature is the product of the imagination and inner thoughts of an artist, and the literary text can impact the psyche and mind of its readers.The experts also believe that the personality traits of the heroes in novels and stories mirror the mentalities and psychological states of the authors. Therefore, a close relationship between psychology and literature can be represented.
Methodology:
The method of this research is a descriptive-analytical one since it has used library tools. Preceisely, the self-awareness of the heroes in Suvashun according to Frankl's school of thought has been explained and examined to find the components that signify health in this work. The central text in this research is originated from Suvashun, however, to show similarity with Frankl's logotherapy, more books by this psychologist have been analyzed. Also, the authors have used books about Iran's stories and novels, especially Suvashun, which was written by more prominent authors than Hassan Abedini (1369) and Jamal Mirsadeghi (1381).
Results and Discussion:
As decared by Frankl, A healthy person is always looking for a goal that makes his life meaningful. If life lacks meaning, it can be challenging to continue. In today's era, a novel is considered a window into a person's psyche and the novelist shows a slice of modern human life and a picture of society in his work. He explores his mental states and inner thoughts, shows the result of choices in different life situations, and leads a person to live ethically.
Conclusion:
From Frankl's point of view, the main and constructive components of a healthy human existence (i.e. a human being in search of meaning) are: freedom of will and awareness, sense of responsibility, will oriented towards meaning, love, wise tolerance of suffering, search for meaning, and response to conscience. In Suvashun's novel, such components are observed in the existence of the main hero of the story, namely Yusef. Of course, some of these components are observed in a fainter way in Zari's character, and some of them also appear in him at the end of the novel, following the events that happened to Zari. Yusef is aware of his responsibility in life and with freedom of will, he seeks to find meaning in his life. He is concerned about the peasants and considers it his social responsibility to be of assistance in this respect. Poverty and injustice in society bother Yusef and he fights to the end of his life to regain his right. The is directed towards the meaning which increases the power of acceptance of sufferings and failures in humans and leads to a more active and dynamic vital creation. In Suvashun's novel, this component is introduced as an important feature in Yusef’s character, because of which he stands up against oppression and turns his partner, who initially has a conservative and timid personality, into a brave and strong woman. At the beginning of the story, Zari does not have a strong will, however, after the death of her husband and being influenced by his way of life and death, she gives up fear and conservatism and speaks firmly and willfully. By recognizing her responsibility, that is to continue Yusef’s trend and not to remain silent in the face of oppression, she finds the meaning of her life and stands on the path of finding forgiveness. Zari loves Yusef and this love is revealed in many places in the novel. According to Frankl, in the subconscious mind of man, a deep belief in the existence of God can be found, which can be understood in the darkest moments of life. Daneshvar, who is the writer, refers to this belief in cases where she describes Zari and Yusef as strong characters.