Analysis of the characters in Belgheis Soleimani's novelsBased on the anagram theory (based on the novels of the 2000s by Belgheis Soleimani)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student of Persian Language and Literature, Payam-e Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Payam-e Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Payam-e Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

One of the most predominant and main branches of the psychological criticism in the literature of personality is topic of typology and One of these theories is the Enneagram theory which examines 9 different types of work and emotional relationships of humans. Each of these 9 patterns have their own interests, concerns and internal conflicts and are in harmony with a wide range of modern psychological thinking. However, in "Enneagram" instead of dealing with pathological and therapeutic issues, the natural and sublime states of people are described. In the current research, attempt has been made to study the novels of Iranian author “Belqeis Soleimani” by using the descriptive-analytical method and paying attention to the study and adaptation of Enneagram personality types in them. Soleimani is a writer who always chooses his characters from the most common classes, and as a result, one can understand the depths of their soul and mind and enter the realms of psychology with their actions and reactions. In these stories, she is trying to put male and female characters together in such a way that they can build each other, and as a result, we see characters that cover Enneagram types and can be explored in the fields of psychology.
One of the important branches of psychological criticism in literature is character analysis, where the topic of typology, especially the Enneagram theory, is discussed. This theory examines nine different types of human work and emotional relationships with their own characteristics and internal conflicts. Unlike pathological and therapeutic approaches, the Enneagram focuses on the natural and elevated states of individuals. The current research employs a descriptive-analytical method to explore the novels of the Iranian author Belgheis Soleimani and aims to study and match the personality types of the Enneagram in her works. Soleimani selects her characters from the common people, delving into their inner thoughts and feelings. The male and female characters in her stories are arranged in such a way that they can build each other up and make the Enneagram personality types clearly observable and analyzable in her works. Character analysis through Enneagram is an ancient knowledge that has recently undergone a fundamental transformation, entering the realm of human sciences. The term "Enneagram" combines "ennea," (which means nine), and "gram," (which means a shape or written thing). Therefore, the literal meaning of this combination refers to "nine faces" or "nine models." This framework divides humans into nine groups and analyzes the intellectual, behavioral, emotional, and social dimensions of each group separately. Personality is defined as a set of behavioral patterns and thought processes that determine an individual's adaptation to his environment. Hilgard describes personality as a set of stable traits that predict individual behavior, encompassing thoughts, feelings, self-perception, and habits. The term personality trait refers to a specific aspect of a person's overall character. With that in mind, the current study examines the characters in Soleimani's novels from the 1980s, aiming to analyze them based on the Enneagram theory. Circular diagrams are presented to depict changes in character states under stress and calm conditions. Some characters are entirely representative of specific types, designed to display particular societal aspects, while others require deeper analysis. The selection of Soleimani's novels is due to the variety of personality types and their compatibility with the Enneagram theory. This theory, inspired by an Eastern thought, includes nine diverse personality types, and the physical, verbal, and behavioral presence of characters in the narrative is of great significance.
The Enneagram model includes nine personality types, each with its own interests and inner conflicts, divided into three groups:

Body (Instinct): Includes types 1(Reformer), 8 (Leader), and 9 (Peacemaker).
Head (Thinking): Includes types 5 (Observer), 6 (Loyalist), and 7 (Enthusiast).
Heart (Feeling): Includes types 2 (Helper), 3 (Achiever), and 4(Individualist).

The history of the Enneagram theory can be traced back to prominent figures such as George Ivanovich Gurdjieff and Claudio Naranjo. Naranjo was the first to modernize this theory with the nine personality types. Each personality type has specific strengths and weaknesses. For example, type 1 may become overly harsh due to its reformist tendencies, while type 7 may struggle with challenges due to its focus on pleasure.
The Enneagram theory is recognized as a useful tool for understanding human personality dimensions. It helps us with:

Self-awareness: Gaining deeper insight into our personality and inner feelings.
Understanding others: Recognizing others’ personalities and predicting their behaviors for better relationships.
Improving relationships: Creating more meaningful connections through the provision of awareness about the strengths and weaknesses.
Adaptation and satisfaction: Leading to greater harmony in life.

The Enneagram personality analysis serves as a valuable tool for self-discovery and improving communication with others. By understanding personality types, individuals can achieve better self-awareness and interpersonal understanding.
This research delves into the application of the Enneagram in the characters of Soleimani's 1980s stories. Soleimani chooses her characters from everyday people and penetrates the deepest layers of their souls and minds. Her choice of Kerman and its cities allows her to portray characters from various social classes that readers can easily be connected to. While not all personality types in her stories align perfectly with the Enneagram, Soleimani addresses all types. As an instance; her female characters represent various types, including 4 (Individualist), 8(Leader), and 2 (Helper), while male characters include types 1 (Reformer) and 2(Helper).
Soleimani aims to depict the psychological complexity of her characters and their societal struggles. Her characterizations are precise and purposeful, with the interactions of secondary characters illuminating the darker facets of the main characters. Thus, Soleimani maintains a deep focus on the psychological dimensions of her characters, designing social challenges that significantly impact their psyche. The main characters clearly embody the Enneagram and face life challenges that reveal their personality traits. Secondary characters typically enter the story to express social critiques and exit after fulfilling their role.
 
 
 
 

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