The Narrative of Death and Martyrdom in “the Flames of Water” by Morteza Mardiha

War and the hidden themes within it have always served as a valuable tool for writers to critique and interpret aspects of human existence. One of Becker's central themes is the contemplation of death, which contrasts life and death while highlighting the emergence of life at its core. This theme serves as a foundation for the creation of works of art, such as the novel "In Flames of Water. novel, recognized as one of the most significant works of the holy defense literature, examines this issue through a unique lens. It competently and realistically analyzes a society ensnared in an unequal war, portraying its harrowing realities, all of which are imbued with thoughts of death. Consequently, the author aims to explore, using a descriptive-analytical method, how Morteza Mardiha represents death and martyrdom in his novel from both materialist and spiritualist perspectives. The findings of this research reveal that the philosophical insight regarding the contemplation of death in the novel is intricately woven into the tragedies and poignant scenes of life, which are intertwined with the tragedy of war and culminate in the deaths of the characters in the story.
Introduction:
Death has always been an ambiguous concept, a fundamental aspect of the human experience since the dawn of civilization. From ancient times to the present, particularly with the advent of war and successive destruction, it has been represented in various ways in the works of writers and artists. Consequently, artists, poets, and authors have each created timeless works that reflect their unique perspectives on death, whether through praise, avoidance, or a realistic lens. The novel "In the Flames of Water" offers a realistic view of death, portraying it as an integral part of life. Throughout the narrative, the theme of death is woven into the fabric of the story. One of the most powerful scenes in Mardiha's masterpiece occurs in the final pages, where the prominent presence of death is underscored by the demise of the protagonists, Haider and Farid.
Methodology:
In the novel "the Flames of Water," Mardiha explores the pain and suffering of man in life, the factors that contribute to it, such as war and its consequences. The narrative seeks to uncover pathways to a better life, portraying a continuous struggle between the opposing forces of light and darkness. Despite this internal conflict, the protagonist frequently finds himself drawn to the darker side. In fact, the author’s philosophical perspective on death is vividly illustrated in this novel through the poignant and sorrowful scenes that accompany the atrocities of war and the deaths of the characters. Mardiha believes that while death can serve as a means of liberation and freedom from a wretched and pitiable existence, detaching from the world can also be challenging and hard to comprehend at times. For this reason, Mardiha's worldview aligns closely with that of existentialist philosophers. The presence of unusual and illogical events within a mysterious and illusory atmosphere, combined with both balanced and unbalanced personalities, transforms the novel "In Flames of Water" into a work rich with terrifying elements. Mardiha employs various elements, including the induction of fear and suffering—such as death, loneliness, and unsettling events—as well as themes of sin, including betrayal, subversion, and sabotage. This study aims to descriptively and analytically explore the most significant manifestations of death-related thinking in the novel "In Flames of Water" and examine how these themes are expressed within the work.
Results and Discussion:
In the Results section of a quantitative paper, summarize the collected data and the outcomes of any analyses conducted on that data that are pertinent to the subsequent discussion.
Analyze the data and report the findings, including effect sizes, confidence intervals, and levels of statistical significance.
Conclusion:
In the novel "In Flames of Water," Morteza Mardiha demonstrates his prowess as a writer by skillfully analyzing a society embroiled in an unequal war and vividly portraying its harrowing realities, all infused with a philosophical reflection on death. However, within the fictional realm of this narrative, there is also room for love and compassion. Given the circumstances dictated by war, a pervasive fear of betrayal and the presence of a fifth column among fellow soldiers loom large, rendering fear and death as the only certainties. The anxiety and trepidation stemming from the wartime environment significantly alter the life trajectories of the characters, while another aspect is shaped by the fate that society has imposed upon them. The narrative is steeped in the characters' fears and anxieties, as well as the myriad challenges wrought by war, occasionally revealing their inner traits. The theme of fear manifests in various forms throughout the novel, leading the narrator and his comrades to the unsettling conclusion that one must coexist with fear and acclimate to anger.