The intercultural relationship between persian and english literature: a translational perspective (with emphasis on the role of Sir William Jones)

Abstract This PhD dissertation scrutinizes some of Edward Said's notions concerning Western imperialism and colonialism as the hidden targets of Orientalism, presented in his celebrated book, Orientalism. It also demonstrates that Said's political ideas have prevented him from conceiving the literary and cultural bonds which were created between the Orient and the Occident via the endeavors of the Orientalists. In a historical context, this study explores the influence of Persian literature on the development of English poetry particularly during the Romantic Period. It also designates that German Romanticism and American Transcendentalism were inspired by Oriental literature and philosophy, conveyed to them through the translated works. Accordingly, the significance of translation in transmitting literature and culture between nations is examined. Focusing on Sir William Jones as the counterexample of Said's prototype of Orientalists, the study investigates the influence of Jones' translations on European literary works during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in England. This dissertation concludes that literature is man's universal and immortal legacy which is improbable to be colonized, contrary to Said' hypothesis. It also proves that some Orientalists devoted their life to transfer the literature and culture of the Oriental lands to the world, not to dominate them, but based on love and enthusiasm.