The news article highlights the enduring impact of Iranian poet Forugh Farrokhzad, 60 years after her death, focusing on how she continues to inspire Iranian women. It details her early scandalous life, marked by rebellious choices, divorce, and relationships with men outside of marriage. Farrokhzad’s bold poetry, addressing themes of sin, sex, and infidelity, challenged societal norms and contributed to a shift in Persian literature.

The article traces Farrokhzad’s life, her influential period with filmmaker Ebrahim Golestan, and her groundbreaking contributions to Persian literature, breaking away from traditional verse forms. Her untimely death in 1967 marked the end of an era, but her legacy persisted, especially among Iranian women.

The narrative delves into the political changes in Iran during the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting the growing feminist movement. It also touches upon the oppressive conditions following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, where Farrokhzad’s work was banned, and the regime targeted independent poets and writers.

The article draws parallels with contemporary events, mentioning poet Fatemeh Ekhtesari, who fled to Norway in 2017 after being sentenced for her writings challenging the regime. Ekhtesari sees poets as catalysts for change, echoing Farrokhzad’s impact on the new generation of activists. Despite the dangers of speaking out, the power of words, inspired by poets like Farrokhzad, remains influential, as seen in recent protests.

The piece concludes by emphasizing Farrokhzad’s enduring relevance, connecting her words to ongoing struggles for freedom and human rights in Iran. It also acknowledges the impact of her poetry on individuals, particularly women, who find strength and inspiration in her verses.

https://www.nrk.no/kultur/xl/skrev-om-synd_-sex-og-utroskap-1.16426223