Analysis of the Textual Cohesion of a Sonnet by Hafiz on the Basis of its Thematic ‎Structure

One of the prevalent questions in the realm of Persian sonnet is related to its cohesion. In this respect, using a functional linguistics approach, as well as the model of structural cohesion, the present article is to analyze the thematic structure of a sonnet by Hafiz. The aim of the present article is therefore to discuss the textual structure of a Persian sonnet through analyzing the thematic structure of the clause and the organization of its internal elements. Accordingly, a brief explanation about meta-functions is firstly provided, and afterwards the organization of the thematic structure in Persian language, along with the analysis of marked and unmarked types of Theme-Rheme is discussed. Next, using a descriptive-analytic approach in analyzing the structural cohesion, a poem by Hafiz is accordingly described. This analysis not only reveals some important points about the structural cohesion of the sonnet and its thematic structure, but also explains some of the poet's latent beliefs. In the end, it is claimed that on the basis of such an approach, one can analyze the cohesion of Hafiz's other sonnets according to the organization of Theme-Rheme.