A talk with Dr. Fatemeh Keshavarz
Director, Roshan Institute for Persian Studies, University of Maryland

Sa’di (b. 1203), the master of eloquence, the lover (mystic and otherwise), the seasoned traveler, and the maker and teacher of ethical rules has a complex poetic persona with multiple faces, some quite colorful. And just as his language does not appear strained by the enormity of the tasks ahead, his persona has no difficulty integrating the various dispositions that constitute it. A constituent element of this persona, one that has hardly been discussed, is what I have here termed Sa’di the comedian. It might be argued that the term “comedian” will not do justice to a classical figure as learned and dignified as Sa’di of Shiraz. It is, therefore, crucial to explore the use of humor in the works of a poet who has long been recognized as a teacher of ethical and religious principles.

December 1, 2016
12:00 – 1:15 p.m.
East Pyne, Room 010

Apologies for the inconvenience and kindly confirm if you are able to attend.