Abstract

Among the problems about the relation between emotions and art, the question of whether emotions can be mentioned as a tool for a better understanding of artwork or not has received special attention from scholars. Some have spoken of the destructive role of emotional engagement with the artwork, and some have pointed to its positive role. This paper investigates the mystical views of Rumi in Masnavi Ma'navi to explore the role of emotions in a better understanding of artworks. The findings of the research, which was accomplished using the descriptive-analytical method, show the following: From Rumi's point of view, an emotional engagement with an artwork can pave the way for a better understanding of the work as well as its messages by creating empathy with the work and changing the way we pay attention to it. In Masnavi, Rumi deliberately and consciously chooses the method of artistic expression through the language of poetry and allegorical stories, and one of the basic elements that increase the influence of artistic expression is the influential role of emotions in all the stories of Masnavi.