Transactional Behavior Analysis in the tale of Rostam and Esfandyar according to Eric Berne’s theory

Transactional Behavior analysis, TA is a much disputed theory in new Psychology which is concerned with regulating the behavior in human relations.  The application of this theory in analysis of the stories could be an effective and scientific approach in order to benefit from outstanding literary works.  Since themes and circumstances embedded in Shahnameh tales well reflect human relation, it is appropriate to look at them from the perspective of this theory.  Hence, using descriptive analytic approach the tale of Rostam and Esfandyar is analyzed through the lens of TA.  The conclusion drawn from this study showed that the reason for the failure of relationships and the ensuing unhappy end of the tale was the existence of pathological traces in Esfandyar’s psychological structure, and also constraints and motivations in his earlier life were all the more reason for the lack of independence and weakness in his decision making which eventually led to the story’s tragic end.