Analyzing the Conceptual Metaphor “Life is Trade” in Hafez’s Ghazals Based on Mark Johnson and George Lakoff's conceptual metaphor theory

Hafez Shirazi is a poet who developed metaphors to be a major technique in his poems. An analysis of the formation of metaphors and their cognitive features can help the readership better understand his poetry and increase their interest in the ghazals. For this, this research has sought to analyze one of the domains of conceptual metaphor, i.e., trade, and the metaphor “LIFE IS TRADE”. The main goal of this research is to perform a macro-analysis of the conceptual metaphor of “life is trade” in the Hafez’s ghazals, and of micro-metaphors related to this domain. Also, the secondary goals of the research include the investigation of cognitive motivations and social-political as well as cultural backgrounds behind the formation of the said metaphors. This descriptive-analytical research gathers data from library sources. Research data reveal that Hafez is basically subjectivist, and his poetic concepts are mostly subjective and abstract; in other words, in his ghazals, Hafez looks for an instrument to make transcendental concepts concrete, and to make the men of love and cognition be confidants of his own secrets and those of love, thus acquainting the sages and the wise with truthfulness, purity, justice, etc. through the taste of love and affection. Thus, one of the most reliable instruments is conceptual and cognitive metaphor. Understanding Hafez’s subjectivism through conceptual metaphors also reaffirms his spiritual and mystical tendencies.