Applying Paul Werth's Theory of Sub-worlds in Reading Fictional Texts; A Case Study of the Novel, Turban Thief

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assiatant professor, Department of Arabic language and literature, farhangian university, tehram, iran.

2 Assistant professor. Department Of Arabic Language and Literature. lorestan university. Iran

10.22059/jsal.2026.393305.666384

Abstract

Cognitive sciences have made significant advancements in contemporary times, with pluralism and multiculturalism emerging as achievements of postmodernism. The common ground between cognitive sciences and postmodernism lies in the belief in the existence of multiple worlds rather than a singular one. The "World of Text" theory proposed by Paul Werth (1999) is one of the major approaches in this field. Werth critiques many critical theories, particularly structuralist theories, and suggests the model of worlds of text. He believes that the efficacy of literary critique is realized when it transcends the superficial levels of the world of text and guides the reader to the depths of the mental spaces of the texts. This theory provides a method for exploring various semantic dimensions of the text by focusing on mentalities and their representations. In this theory, "subsumptive worlds" refer to the existence of multiple worlds instead of one, emphasizing the integration of subworlds within the main world to convey cognitive and aesthetic objectives. Paul Werth asserts that literary critique must move beyond the apparent levels of language and delve into the mentalities and cognitive realms of characters. This article employs a descriptive-analytical method and Werth's theory to analyze the novel "The Thief of the Turban" by Shaheed Al-Halfi. The results indicate that the author utilizes the subsumptive world to express possibilities, beliefs, and emphasize unconventional religious ideas. Additionally, the subjective aspect of these worlds has a greater impact. The verbal and interactive positions of the characters help express the mentalities and attitudes of the main character as an abnormal and religion-averse individual.

Keywords

References

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Sociology of Art and Literature
Volume 17, Issue 2
Autumn & Winter 2026
June 2026
Pages 167-182

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