Rubaei 19 By Hafez Shirazi

By admin @admin | 6 2

خوبانِ جهان، صید توان کرد به زَرخوش خوش بَر از ایشان بتوان خورد به زَر


نرگس که کُلَه‌دارِ جهان است، ببینکـ‌او نیز، چگونه سَر درآورد به زَر


Description:

Literal Translation:

The beauties of the world can be hunted with gold,
One can happily enjoy them with gold.
See the narcissus, the crown of the world,
How it too has emerged, thanks to gold.

Poetic and Interpretive Translation:

With gold, the world’s fair ones can be won,
And pleasure bought when day is done.
The narcissus, beauty's queen, behold,
Has risen too, its splendor bought with gold.


admin
@admin Aug. 8, 2024, 6:14 p.m.

Analysis of the Rubai

This rubai by Hafez is a satirical commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth and the superficiality of beauty.

The Power of Gold: The rubai explicitly states that the "beauties of the world" and even the "narcissus" (a symbol of beauty) can be acquired with gold. This suggests that beauty and love can be bought, and that even the most seemingly pure and virtuous individuals can be corrupted by material wealth.
Satire on Beauty: The image of the narcissus, often associated with vanity and self-love, is used to satirize the pursuit of beauty and the superficiality of appearances.
Social Commentary: This rubai offers a social commentary on the materialistic values of society and the ways in which wealth can distort human relationships.

admin
@admin Aug. 8, 2024, 6:14 p.m.

Interpretation

This rubai can be interpreted in several ways:

A Critique of Materialism: The rubai is a clear critique of materialism and the idea that beauty and love can be bought.
A Satire on Human Nature: It satirizes human vanity and the desire for material possessions.
A Social Commentary: The rubai offers a commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth on society.

Overall, this rubai is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Hafez uses irony and satire to expose the superficiality of beauty and the corrupting influence of wealth.