Gholamhossein Yousofi’s Literary Conceptions about Form and Meaning of poetry

Gholamhossein Yousofi is a distinguished professor of Persian Language and Literature and an expert in literary studies and theories who has left behind invaluable theories and criticism on the evaluation of poetry. He believed that literary works, especially original poetry are, not only of a literary nature and meet all artistic provisions, but should also perform social functions. Having analyzed a number of rich Persian poems, he has indicated that poetry as a work of art should possess meaning and form. Form without meaning and meaning without form cannot be original and effective. Such a work, therefore, cannot achieve its social goals. Although form and meaning cannot be realized in isolation in a coordinated effort to create a literary work, meaning should be as original as form and there should a harmony between the two, since one of the requirements of originality of art is a balance between form and meaning. This paper investigates his views on the importance and originality of form and meaning, the necessity of establishing a balance between the two and the effect of establishing coordination between form and meaning as well as the functions of literary works. The results indicate that meaning void of form is not regarded as art and a form void of meaning would not be regarded as effective and original. Also an ineffective work of art cannot achieve social goals and would in fact lack the requirements for fame and originality.