Parenthetical sentences are among the subjects common to grammar and rhetoric. However, their significance has been diminished in most grammar books by restricting their definition to functions such as parenthesis, prayer, and malediction. On the other hand, the frequent use of parenthetical sentences is one of the characteristics of ornate prose, and their use in Juwayni’s Tarikh-i Jahangushay, one of the finest examples of this style of prose, is extensive. Moreover, these sentences in Tarikh-i Jahangushay are not used merely for malediction and prayer; rather, the author employs them to explain his views and ideas and even to convey important historical information. Thus, contrary to the common assumption, their removal would impair the semantic integrity of the discourse and prevent readers from fully understanding some of the author’s purposes. This study examines the verbal and semantic purposes of parenthetical sentences in Tarikh-i Jahangushay. The data were collected through library research, and the verbal and semantic purposes of these sentences and their role in elucidating Juwayni’s discourse were examined using a descriptive-analytical approach. The findings indicate that parenthetical sentences play an essential role in completing meaning and expressing the author’s purposes and ideas concerning the historical events of the Mongol invasion.
Introduction
The study of parenthetical sentences is a topic shared by rhetoric and grammar. However, authors of books on rhetoric and grammar have often failed to adequately address this subject, frequently overlooking the role of these sentences in the structure of a text, their relationship with other parts of the discourse, and the various purposes and intentions of the author. Therefore, this research examines the semantic functions of parenthetical sentences in Juwayni’s Tarikh-i Jahangushay and the various purposes they serve.
Juwayni’s Tarikh-i Jahangushay, a historical-literary work by Ata-Malik Juwayni, is an important source documenting the events of the Mongol era, from Genghis Khan’s invasion of Iran to the conquest of the Ismaili fortresses by Hulagu Khan. Most researchers have examined this work as a factual historical narrative, largely overlooking the historian’s discourse. However, historical narratives contain various markers that challenge the presumed objectivity of historical accounts. These markers reveal the historian’s judgments, beliefs, and perceptions of history. In other words, authors consciously or unconsciously incorporate their ideology and beliefs into their texts.
In Juwayni’s Tarikh-i Jahangushay, such markers include the use of Quranic verses and hadiths, descriptions, Persian and Arabic poetry, proverbs, allusions, and parenthetical sentences (see Qasemzadeh, 2017, pp. 131–135). In particular, parenthetical sentences in Juwayni’s Tarikh-i Jahangushay serve as openings into the narrative, enabling the author to express his views, emotions, and beliefs. Through these sentences, readers can gain a more accurate understanding of Juwayni’s discourse and better appreciate the diverse purposes and significant role of these sentences in conveying the author’s message.
Literature Review
The purposes of parenthetical sentences have not received sufficient attention from researchers, and their categorization as mere “filler” has diminished their perceived importance. Nevertheless, several studies have examined these sentences and their functions, including the following:
Momtahen (2008), in his article on parenthetical sentences and their rhetorical effect in the Quran, argues that parenthetical sentences in the Quran are not superfluous additions to the text; rather, they are used purposefully and in accordance with the context.
Parsa and Mohammadi (2019), in their article on the function of Arabic parenthetical sentences in Nafthat al-Masdur, attempt to identify the functions of Arabic parenthetical sentences, clarify their relationship with the text, and analyze their functional role at the beginning, middle, and end of the text. They demonstrate that the function of a parenthetical sentence varies according to its position within the text.
Parsa and Mahmoudi (2019), in their article on the semantic and intentional functions of parenthetical sentences in Tarikh-e Beyhaqi, identify various functions of parenthetical sentences and examine their contribution to a better understanding of the author’s discourse.
Khosravi et al. (2020), in their article on interpolations in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, examine the descriptive function of interpolations in the Shahnameh and determine the effect and frequency of rhetorical devices such as simile, metaphor, and hyperbole within them.
Dehrami and Akbarizadeh (2020), in their article on the narratology of parenthetical sentences in Tarikh-e Bayhaqi, argue that this type of sentence forms part of the narrative structure, interacts with other levels of the narrative, and functions as a structural element to such an extent that its removal creates linguistic and semantic disruption in the narrative.
Some studies have also investigated the functions of parenthetical sentences in the Quran. Soltani-Renani (2012) argues that understanding how parenthetical sentences are employed in the Quran contributes to a better understanding of divine messages. Similarly, Valizadeh and Valizadeh (2020) argue that interjections in the Quran are entirely purposeful and are used appropriately according to the context.
Therefore, despite the existing body of research, no independent study has yet examined the rhetorical and semantic purposes of parenthetical sentences in Juwayni’s Tarikh-i Jahangushay.
Methodology
This research employs a library-based research method and a descriptive-analytical approach to classify and explain the purposes of parenthetical sentences in Juwayni’s Tarikh-i Jahangushay. The data were analyzed through content analysis. This study seeks to answer the following questions:
1. What are the verbal and semantic purposes of parenthetical sentences in Juwayni’s Tarikh-i Jahangushay, and what does the frequency of each purpose reveal?
2. What role do parenthetical sentences play in relation to the text and in the interpretation of Juwayni’s discourse?
Findings
The three volumes of Tarikh-i Jahangushay demonstrate differences in the use and functions of parenthetical sentences, with their semantic and verbal purposes varying according to the particular subject matter of each volume. In the first volume, Juwayni primarily employs these sentences for verbal purposes, such as introducing secondary characters and providing temporal references, while also using them for semantic purposes, including the expression of his personal judgments and the explanation of causality.
The second volume is characterized by the frequent use of comparisons, which Juwayni employs strategically to contrast the Khwarazmians with the Mongols. Through this method, he seeks to glorify Iranian heritage by likening Khwarazmian rulers to epic heroes such as Rostam, while simultaneously denigrating the Mongols by comparing them to wild animals.
In the third volume, the functions of parenthetical sentences shift toward clarification, character introduction, and geographical specification, particularly in relation to the Ismailis. A notable departure from the previous volumes is the prominent use of malediction and reproach. This function reveals a significant departure from Juwayni’s professional neutrality, as he uses these sentences to express explicitly his personal animosity and intense hostility toward the Ismailis. Thus, whereas the first two volumes balance historical narration with subjective perspectives, the third volume becomes a distinctive vehicle for the historian’s overt religious and personal convictions.
Conclusion
A review of the three volumes of Juwayni’s Tarikh-i Jahangushay identified approximately 343 parenthetical sentences, expressed in forms such as Persian and Arabic phrases, Quranic verses, proverbs, and quasi-sentences. Following analysis and classification, these sentences were found to serve eighteen different semantic purposes, occurring 191 times, and eleven distinct verbal purposes, occurring 152 times.
Contrary to common assumptions, these findings demonstrate that parenthetical sentences serve purposes beyond merely expressing prayers or curses. Their removal would result in a deficiency of meaning and prevent the full comprehension of the author’s intentions. In other words, these sentences function as openings within the narrative through which the author’s perspectives and judgments regarding events are revealed.
Moreover, parenthetical sentences in Juwayni’s Tarikh-i Jahangushay are not limited to prayers or descriptions; they also provide supplementary explanations through which the narrator expresses his discourse by creating pauses and interruptions within the narrative. In other words, Juwayni, as a historian, does not merely recount historical events. Rather, it is through these parenthetical sentences that readers discern his views and judgments concerning those events.
Among the most frequent purposes of parenthetical sentences in Juwayni’s Tarikh-i Jahangushay are prayers for individuals, the introduction of characters, the statement of reasons, clarification following ambiguity, comparisons, temporal references, praise and glorification, and the specification of locations. Some of these purposes, such as praise and glorification, temporal references, and comparisons, serve to communicate and reinforce the author’s beliefs, whereas others, such as specifying locations or introducing characters, contribute to the transmission of significant historical information.
Furthermore, it may be argued that parenthetical sentences play a particularly important role in elucidating Juwayni’s discourse in Tarikh-i Jahangushay. This is because history, by its very nature, is based on narration, and this characteristic imposes certain constraints on the historian. Moreover, even if this were not the case, a historian such as Juwayni, because of his service at the Mongol court, could not always express his opinions explicitly. Consequently, he employs parenthetical sentences to convey views that might otherwise remain unspoken, including criticism of the Mongols and expressions of grief over the injustices inflicted upon Iranians. Through parenthetical sentences, Juwayni also subtly reveals his affection for and inclination toward Sultan Jalal al-Din Khwarazmshah and compares the Mongols to wild animals and destructive forces.

¹ The present article is derived from the master's thesis in Persian Language and Literature at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz.