Lessons 14–15 · 2 lessons · S. Olim, S. Ahmedov, R. Qo‘chqorov. Literature, Grade 8: textbook-collection, Parts 1 and 2. G‘afur G‘ulom publishing-printing creative house, Tashkent, 2014 (revised third edition)
14
Irsoli masal (the proverb device)
Textbook: Part 1, p. 90
GoalExplain what the irsoli masal device is, how it links to folklore, and its place in Lutfiy’s work.
New words
irsoli masal (quoting a proverb in verse) · irsoli masalold term for a proverb · zarb ul-masalproverb · maqolphraseological unit · frazeologizm
Explanation
Irsoli masal is the art of strengthening a thought by bringing into a poem or speech a proverb, saying, idiom or wise word well known among the people. “Irsol” means bringing, “masal” means example or proverb. In Old Uzbek proverbs and idioms were called “zarb ul-masal”, while modern linguistics calls them phraseological units. The device is found even in the earliest written works such as “Qutadg‘u bilig” and “Hibat ul-haqoyiq”, but it is especially frequent in Lutfiy’s work. According to the textbook, all five couplets of his ghazal “Ayoqingg‘a tushar har lahza gisu...” are built on this device: in each couplet the proverb comes in the second line and confirms the thought of the first. So the poet reinforces his idea twice.
Worked examples
Example: it works in ordinary speech too: “Do not be lazy about your lessons – after all, little by little one becomes wise.” The first part is the thought, the second the confirmation with a known proverb.
Example: the structure in Lutfiy’s ghazal is this: in every couplet the first line is the poet’s thought and the second a ready-made proverb. Five couplets – five proverbs.
Class activity
Write five proverbs and for each make a two-line statement that confirms your thought: the first line the thought, the second the proverb.
Practice
1
What is irsoli masal?
The art of strengthening a thought by bringing in a proverb, saying or idiom.
2
What were proverbs and idioms called in Old Uzbek?
Masal or zarb ul-masal.
3
Where does the proverb come in Lutfiy’s ghazal “Ayoqingg‘a tushar...”?
In the second line of every couplet.
4
Why does irsoli masal strengthen a thought?
Because the poet confirms the thought with a proverb the people know and trust, so the reader’s belief grows.