Journal of Literary Criticism

Journal of Literary Criticism

Examining its levels and elements in the narrative plan of Hazrat Ali Akbar's Ta'ziyya

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sara Noorafshan 1
Abolfazl davodiroknabdi 2
mehdi hamed saghaian 3
mohamad akvan 4
mahmoud dehghani harati 5
1 PhD in Philosophy of Art Department of Philosophy of Art, Faculty of Art, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
2 Professor Department of Art, Islamic Azad University, Yazd Branch, Yazd, Iran
3 Associate Professor Department of Directing and Acting, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
4 Associate Professor Department of Western Philosophy, Faculty of Literature, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
5 Assistant Professor Department of Performing Arts, in Philosophy of Art, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jlc.2025.489148.1691
Abstract
Narrative is commonly defined as a transition from a state of equilibrium to disequilibrium and ultimately to a secondary equilibrium. The Ta'ziyeh of Hazrat Ali Akbar similarly begins with a preliminary recitation in a balanced state, which is disrupted by the presence of antagonistic forces, leading ultimately to the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali Akbar. This performance, typically staged on the eighth day of Muharram, portrays key moments including the request for permission to enter the battlefield, combat, return, request for water, and martyrdom, culminating in a collective ritual procession.
This study aims to examine the narrative structure of the Ta'ziyeh of Hazrat Ali Akbar through a narratological approach. While identifying a unified model is not feasible due to variations in performance, shared structural features can be identified and analyzed. The findings indicate that the narrative structure of Ta'ziyeh can be divided into three main parts: introduction, main event, and conclusion. The introduction prepares the audience through musical and vocal elements; the main event develops around the fate of the central character; and the conclusion culminates in martyrdom and ritual participation.
The analysis further reveals that the narrative structure consists of multiple interwoven levels, frequent disruptions in narrative continuity, and the strategic arrangement of motifs. Temporal progression is largely linear, with limited instances of anachrony. The narrator employs omission and condensation to regulate narrative speed, focusing on key turning points. Emphasis is placed on the events of Ashura as a present experiential time, rather than a historical past. Additionally, the interplay between auditory and visual elements plays a crucial role in shaping narrative levels and audience experience, resulting in a multi-layered performative space.
Keywords
narratology
Ta'ziyeh
narrative structure
Ashura
Iranian performance
Ali Akbar
Subjects
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Journal of Literary Criticism
Volume 10, Issue 19
April 2026
Pages 582-537

  • Receive Date 22 November 2024
  • Revise Date 09 February 2025
  • Accept Date 04 March 2025