Sectarianism as a Static  Structure in the Trilogy of Abutorab Khosravi

Joudavi, Hossein; Mahmoodi, Mohammad Ali; Mashhadi, Mohammad Amir

doi:10.22059/jlcr.2025.395211.2057

Sectarianism as a Static Structure in the Trilogy of Abutorab Khosravi

Document Type : scientific-research

Authors

Hossein Joudavi

Mohammad Ali Mahmoodi

Mohammad Amir Mashhadi

Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Languages, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

10.22059/jlcr.2025.395211.2057

Abstract

This study aims to analyze cultism as a molar structure in Abu Torab Khosravi’s trilogy, comprising Asfar-e Kataban (Scribes’ Journeys), Rud-e Ravi (The Ravi River), and Malakan-e Azaab (Angels of Torment). Drawing on the theories of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari—particularly concepts such as molar structures in contrast to rhizomatic structures—it demonstrates that cultism in this trilogy reproduces hierarchical, centralized, and static structures through mechanisms such as the repression of desire, negation of multiplicity, blockage of lines of escape, reterritorialization of deterritorializations, and the substitution of subjugated subjects for the body without organs. Employing a descriptive-analytical method and a critical reading of the texts, this study argues that Khosravi, through complex narratives, not only exposes the oppressive and non-dynamic nature of cults but also condemns superstition and dogmatism, thereby representing the tension between molar structures (imposed order) and molecular structures (the possibility of emancipation).In terms of methodology, this interdisciplinary study relies on narrative text analysis to explore signs of cultism across the trilogy’s fictional layers, characterizations, and ideological discourses. Data were collected by extracting themes related to mechanisms of domination (e.g., subjection of individuals, distortion of truth, and instillation of fear) and their contrast with rhizomatic elements (e.g., micro-resistances, sudden escapes, and polyphony). Using Deleuze and Guattari’s theoretical framework, concepts such as deterritorialization and reterritorialization were analyzed within the narrative context of the trilogy to reveal processes of power consolidation and resistance within cults.The findings indicate that Khosravi’s trilogy functions as an anti-cult text, exposing mechanisms of domination and inviting readers to reflect on the dangers of fixed, closed collective identities. By contrasting passive characters (molar subjects) with multidimensional ones (molecular subjects), the text demonstrates how cults nullify the potential for transformation or escape by controlling desire and restricting freedom. These findings not only deepen the understanding of Khosravi’s trilogy but also contribute to contemporary literary studies on the intersection of literature and ideological critique.

Keywords

Sectarianism

Gilles Deleuze

Molar Structure

Repression of Desire

Abu troab Khosravi

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