Setting and its Mystical Dimensions in Attar's Ghazel-Stories

In addition to in the form of couplets, Attar has composed narratives in the form of sonnets. On the whole, he has composed 62 narrative poems in this form. Through an analysis of the structure of these narrative-sonnets, we can learn about Attar's thought and his art of story-telling. A subject in need of investigation in this regard is the scene in time and place in which his stories take place. This is for Attar is a mystic poet, for in his works he always wants to express his mystical teachings, and for in many works of mysticism the scene is of mystical dimensions also. Attar's narrative-sonnets often show the night at their time, which in turn suggests the mystical dimension of his poetry, because night and dawn are, for the poet, the times of revelation and invocation also. And the spacial setting of his narrative-songs is usually places like a tavern, a pub, a divine harem, a doorway of esteem, a mosque, a pagoda, or a convent all of which add to the mystical dimensions of his work.