Reflection of Society’s Political Changes in Epic Poetry of Akhavan-Sales Case Study: Zemestan (winter)

In Iran’s contemporary literature, Mehdi Akhavan-Sales (a.k.a M. Omid 1928-1990, born in Khorasan province) is one of the most trustworthy and politically-oriented poets, whose social and political commitment is evidently observed in his poetries. He has always scrutinized thesociety, people’s life and hardships.  Following the 19 August 1953 Iranian coup d’état that affected the people’s thoughts and emotions and resulted in desperation and hopelessness, Akhavan began to reflect liberation, as one of his main concerns, in his works.  After reviewing his works, and by using an analytical-descriptive approach, this work concludes that,unlike general presumption, Akhavan had never desired and attempted to give up the strive and hope; rather, the despondency observed in his poetries stem from the frustration and dissatisfaction from his life, his people and the social hurdles.  He felt committed to improve the social and political situations and did not get disappointed. This study highlights therealism, processing the social events, hope, combat and symbolism, as the most distinguished features in his poems.