Comparative Study of Love in Eastern and Western Literature: From Rumi to Shakespeare

Abstract

This paper compares and contrasts the writings of William Shakespeare and Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi to examine the issue of love in both Eastern and Western literature. Shakespeare, an English playwright and poet from the 16th century, and Rumi, a Persian poet and Sufi mystic from the 13th century, both present complex and nuanced depictions of love that are a reflection of their distinct philosophical and cultural backgrounds. Love is portrayed in Rumi's poetry as a means of achieving unity with God, with an emphasis on spiritual enlightenment and divine love. Shakespeare, on the other hand, frequently captures romantic love in all its complexities in his plays, emphasizing both its tragic and profoundly joyful aspects. By examining the perspectives of Eastern and Western literature on love, the study offers insights into the varied yet interconnected ways love is portrayed in these two literary canons. It draws on primary texts such as Shakespeare's plays as well as Rumi's "Masnavi" and "Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi." It also illustrates how their perspectives on love are similar and different, as well as the universal qualities of love that are shown in their writings, as well as cultural and philosophical ideas. This study concludes that despite the difference in the views of both regarding love, there are some kinds of similarities and closeness as well.