An Analysis of Papoli Yazdi’s Utopian Discourse in Shazdeh Hamam Based on the Discursive Theory of Laclau and Mouffe

The present research is an analysis of Papoli Yazdi’s utopian discourse in “Shazdeh Hamam” based on the discursive theory of Laclau and Mouffe. The sample of the study consists of the first three volumes of Papoli Yazdi’s five-volume book, Shazdeh Hamam, the first and second volumes of which have been reprinted 34 times and the third volume 14 times so far. The reason for choosing this topic is the metatextual discourses of this work, which makes it distinct from similar works. Additionally, the reason for choosing Laclau and Mouffe’s theory is its effectiveness for analyzing Papoli Yazdi’s discourse. The research method is descriptive-analytical. The data was analyzed based on content analysis and using Laclau and Mouffeʼs discourse theory. Based on this theory, the present study aims to answer the following question: How is the articulation of concepts and the process of identifying the authorʼs idealistic discourse and its relationship with the dominant discourse? The results indicate that according to this theory, the authorʼs modernist discourse is formed in contrast to the dominant traditionalist discourse, and places “modernity and progress” as an empty point in place of the nodal point. It also articulates the points of culture and women’s rights around the nodal point and gives each one a new identity and meaning. In the end, the author encourages human beings as agents to act for the realization of their ideal society.