Imagination in the Imagery of Air and the Spatial Exploration of Tree House in Nima Yooshij: A Bachelardian Approach

As one of the most influential contemporary phenomenological theories,  Gaston Bachelard’s notion of “material imagination,” approaches poets in terms of the predominance of the four elements (water, air, fire, and earth) in their works. Each of these elements imposes its characteristics on its symbolic representation. On the other hand, Bachelard views the home as the centre of being. That said, a spatial exploration of the poet’s imaginary home reveals the dominant literary structure or poetics of his thought as well as his unconscious. Nima Yooshij is among the canonical figures of Persian poetry and is also considered the father of modern Persian poetry. His importance can be ascribed to his revolutionary views on literary devices in Persian poetry. He has transformed the poetics of Persian poetry. The presence of natural phenomena, such as trees, nests, birds, the sky, and mountains, shows the predominance of the element of air in his poetry and imagination. The present study aims to explore the element of air in his poetry.. 
 
Extended Abstract
1. Introduction
Informed by a phenomenological reading of literary devices, Gaston Bachelard argues that human imagination does not operate in accordance with the four main alchemical elements (water, air, fire, and earth). Imagination precedes the material world, i.e., we imagine the world before experiencing it. In this regard, imagination moves beyond an absolute aesthetic phenomenon toward epistemology. The “matter,” according to Bachelard, subjectifies and identifies the psychic and imaginative structure of every poet.
For Bachelard, space is not a neutral concept bound to geometrical concepts, but is understood through imagination. In his view, the concept of home directly correlates with imagination and cosmos, i.e., the lived experiences correlate with the unconscious. He argues that canonical poets have two distinctive characteristics: material imagination and cosmic reverie.
 
2. Methodology
This descriptive-analytical study employs library sources to investigate Nima Yooshij’s poetry.
 
3. Theoretical Framework
 According to Bachelard, literary devices possess alchemical elements. Each element has its unique characteristic. The present study investigates the element of “air” in Nima Yooshij’s poetry. The air is a flowing element. Bachelard sees air as a fundamental element that stimulates the imagination. He explores the way images of flight and suspended spaces, like an island in the sky, relate to our subconscious and its yearning for freedom and elevation.
Thoughts can never be wanderers; they need a fixed place to return. Imagination creates a home for thoughts. Home becomes the crossroad of imagination and thought. 
 
4. Discussion and Analysis
 Bachelard sees air as a fundamental element that stimulates the imagination. He explores the way images of flight and suspended spaces, like an island in the sky, relate to our subconscious and its yearning for freedom and elevation.
Elevation is the most important feature of the “air.” Nima’s poetry is filled with pastoral imagery. In the mountains, he is surrounded by aerial creatures. The weather is cold. The cold signals the potential for movement.
It is evident that any ascension requires lightness. The light flight of the bird is a good example. From the rising smoke to the wind and the bird, Nima’s poetry is filled with the elements of lightness.
The tree house is the crossroad between Nima’s poeticity and imagination. His poetic devices are in harmony with the tree house. The house is a place in the cosmos. The nest is the epicentre of all aerial forces. The nest has the capability to be the centre of the cosmos. Nima frequently refers to the nest.
The city comes in stark contrast with elevation. The city is gloomy, heavy, and gray. All Nima’s nests are in a dream state. They are made from imagination and dreams.   
 
5. Conclusion
Due to its elemental nature, the analysis of material imagination and poeticity is considered one of the most fascinating phenomenological readings. For Bachelard, images are gateways to the poet’s unconscious and serve as a blueprint for a spatial analysis of their unconscious. The results of this study show the predominance of the element of air in Nima’s poetry. The air implies hope and liveliness throughout Nima’s poetry. The tree house and the nest are among the most recurrent images in Nima’s poetry.
 
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