Journal of Razavi Culture

Abstract The beauty of poetry stems from the harmony and coordination of its elements, which are formed in the sound structure. It demonstrates the proportion and formal balance of the poem through the repetition of words and in accordance with specific linguistic patterns. Structuralists believe that sound structure is the foundation of poetry; therefore, in structural analyses, the superstructure of a work holds greater significance. This article, while providing a deeper understanding of Muhtasham Kashani’s composition in praise of Imam Reza (PBUH), examines its sound structure at three levels—phonic balance, lexical balance, and syntactic balance—using a descriptive-analytical method and library resources. The research findings reveal that phonetic balance, in its quantitative aspect, is achieved by selecting an appropriate meter that aligns with the theme of the poem (panegyric), and in its qualitative aspect, through various methods of vowel and consonant repetition, such as full final phonetic repetition and the use of appropriate verbal and nominal refrains. Lexical balance is achieved through various methods of repeating a linguistic form, either fully or partially, the use of rich and appropriate rhymes, and the use of various types of antithesis and pun. Syntactic balance is created through the proper use of juxtaposition and substitution within the sentence. Moreover, the poet, with a special attention to the possibilities of different components of language, from phonemes to sentences, has highlighted the aesthetic and artistic aspect of his poetry.