EXPLORING NARRATIVE TECHNIQUES IN ELIF SHAFAK’S THE FORTY RULES OF LOVE: A STYLISTIC APPROACH

Abstract

Elif Shafak’s The Forty Rules of Love explores personal transformation through two interconnected storylines. The first follows Ella Rubinstein, a modern-day housewife, who discovers spiritual awakening through Rumi’s poetry. The second narrates the life of Rumi and his transformative relationship with Shams of Tabriz, whose radical philosophy helps Rumi find his poetic voice. Shafak uses alternating perspectives to create an intertextual dialogue between these timelines, illustrating love as a universal force that transcends time and culture. Her use of multiple narrators enriches the storytelling by providing diverse viewpoints on love and personal growth. Shafak’s stylistic approach, combining lyrical prose and philosophical reflections, enhances the mystical and emotional depth of the novel. The Sufi philosophy, embodied in the forty rules of love, acts as the central theme, offering insights into spirituality, self-awareness, and human connection. The novel addresses timeless themes, such as the conflict between modernity and tradition, the quest for self-discovery, and spiritual enlightenment. The parallel transformations of Rumi and Ella demonstrate how love, in all its forms, acts as a catalyst for personal growth. Shafak’s work invites readers to experience positive transformation through love, presenting it as an unbounded, timeless journey toward happiness and fulfillment.

Key Words: Narrative Techniques, Personal Transformation, Sufi Philosophy, Interconnected Storylines, Spiritual Enlightenment