Anti-Exploitation in Simin Behbahani’s Poems; Based on Eric Fromm’s Theory

Since the ancient times up until now, regimes have intended to exploit humanity through establishing bases and expanding their cultures beyond their own borders. An issue in contemporary literature is resistance literature that is anti-exploitation in which poets encourage the general public to stand against anti-freedom or against their authoritarian rulers. According to Fromm, authoritarians and exploiters are able to succeed in dominating humans and communities, however, they cannot hinder emerging resistance against their inhumane behaviors; therefore, general public’s reaction can lead to the exploiters’ downfall. Simin Behbahani, as a contemporary poet, cannot be silent against Pahlavi’s dictatorship and uses her poems to stand against them. This study is an attempt to analyze sociology of exploitation in Simin Behbahani’s poems based on Eric Fromm’s theories. Methodology in this research is descriptive-analytical. The results show that there are numerous common grounds between Fromm’s theory and Behbahani’s poems. Behbahani from Resurrection (1974) onward, intends to criticize Pahlavi’s System. She has a special attention towards disorders in the community which has been caused by the regime’s exploitation.