The Blind Owl by Ṣādiq Hidāyat
- 1. The Blind Owl, written by the Iranian author Ṣādiq Hidāyat in 1937, is a profoundly haunting and existential novel that delves into themes of madness, despair, and the search for meaning in a seemingly chaotic world. The narrative is presented through the fragmented recollections of its unnamed protagonist, who is consumed by his own existential angst and obsession with death. Set against the backdrop of post-World War I Iran, the story unfolds in a surreal and dreamlike manner, blending reality with hallucination as the narrator grapples with feelings of isolation and alienation. The titular 'Blind Owl' serves as a powerful metaphor for the narrator's inability to see the truth of his existence, reflecting the broader existential crises faced by individuals in a society steeped in tradition yet plagued by modern disillusionment. Hedayat's rich, symbolic prose paints an intricate picture of human suffering, existential dread, and the fleeting nature of happiness, all while addressing the complexities of identity and the ineffable nature of love and loss. The novel has garnered a significant reputation, often heralded as a cornerstone of modern Persian literature, and it continues to resonate with readers today, inviting them to reflect on the darkness within themselves and the world around them.
Who is the author of 'The Blind Owl'?
A) Jalal Al-e Ahmad
B) Nima Yushij
C) Forough Farrokhzad
D) Ṣādiq Hidāyat
- 2. What is the central theme of 'The Blind Owl'?
A) Romantic love
B) Alienation and existential despair
C) Political freedom
D) Historical events
- 3. In which year was 'The Blind Owl' first published?
A) 1937
B) 1945
C) 1950
D) 1925
- 4. What does the owl symbolize in the novel?
A) Strength and power
B) Beauty and love
C) Wisdom and death
D) Joy and happiness
- 5. What narrative style is predominantly used in 'The Blind Owl'?
A) Epistolary
B) Stream of consciousness
C) Third-person omniscient
D) First-person linear
- 6. The setting of 'The Blind Owl' primarily takes place in which country?
A) Afghanistan
B) Turkey
C) Iran
D) Iraq
- 7. What does the protagonist struggle with throughout 'The Blind Owl'?
A) Romantic fulfillment
B) Material wealth
C) Existential questions
D) Social status
- 8. Which symbol is prominently featured in 'The Blind Owl'?
A) A rose
B) A clock
C) The owl
D) A book
- 9. What does the protagonist frequently reflect on?
A) Adventure and exploration
B) Friendship and loyalty
C) Death and meaninglessness
D) Happiness and success
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