جدید اُردو شعراکے ہاں ”جنگل“ کا استعارہ

The Metaphor of the Forest in the Poetry of Modern Urdu Poets

Authors

  • Sadia Afzal M.Phil. Scholar, Department of Urdu, Government College Women University, Faisalabad
  • Bazghah Qandeel Assistant Professor, Department of Urdu, Government College Women University, Faisalabad

Keywords:

Metaphor, modern Urdu poetry, especially significant, symbolizes, multilayered symbol, literary expression

Abstract

Metaphor plays a key role in modern Urdu poetry, expressing complex social, political, cultural, and psychological realities. Among its recurring symbols, the “forest” is especially significant, representing chaos, alienation, fear, oppression, social decline, and the fragmentation of human values. Poets use this metaphor to portray the challenges of life in a rapidly changing world. This study explores the forest metaphor in modern Urdu poetry and its various meanings. It shows how the forest symbolizes inner conflict, isolation, insecurity, and the search for identity, while also serving as a critique of social injustice, authoritarianism, and moral decline. In some contexts, the forest also represents freedom, resistance, and renewal. The findings suggest that the forest has become a rich and multilayered symbol in modern Urdu poetry, reflecting the concerns and experiences of modern poets. The study highlights its importance in understanding symbolism and contemporary human experience in Urdu literary expression.

       References in Roman Script:

  1. Nasir Kazmi, Diwan-e-Nasir Kazmi, Ameen-ud-Daula Park, Lucknow, 1977, p. 31.
  2. Ahmad Faraz, Kulliyat-e-Ahmad Faraz, Nashir: Khalid Sharif, Jamia Hamdard, Delhi, 1989, p. 694.
  3. Munir Niazi, Jangal Mein Dhanak, Mawra Publishers, Lahore, 1993, pp. 40, 62.
  4. Shakeb Jalali, Roshni Ae Roshni, Book Depot, Hyderabad, 1997, p. 42.
  5. Abbas Tabish, Agar Main Sher Na Kehta, Al-Hamd Publishers, Lahore, 2022, p. 181.
  6. Jaun Elia, Kulliyat-e-Jaun Elia, Nashir: Muhammad Nasir Khan, Education Mission Library and Research Centre, 2015, p. 256.
  7. Javed Akhtar, Tarkash, Star Publications, 2008, p. 141.
  8. Javed Akhtar, Lava, Nashir: Raj Kamal, 2012, p. 25

Author Biography

Bazghah Qandeel, Assistant Professor, Department of Urdu, Government College Women University, Faisalabad

Metaphor plays a key role in modern Urdu poetry, expressing complex social, political, cultural, and psychological realities. Among its recurring symbols, the “forest” is especially significant, representing chaos, alienation, fear, oppression, social decline, and the fragmentation of human values. Poets use this metaphor to portray the challenges of life in a rapidly changing world. This study explores the forest metaphor in modern Urdu poetry and its various meanings. It shows how the forest symbolizes inner conflict, isolation, insecurity, and the search for identity, while also serving as a critique of social injustice, authoritarianism, and moral decline. In some contexts, the forest also represents freedom, resistance, and renewal. The findings suggest that the forest has become a rich and multilayered symbol in modern Urdu poetry, reflecting the concerns and experiences of modern poets. The study highlights its importance in understanding symbolism and contemporary human experience in Urdu literary expression.

        References in Roman Script:

  1. Nasir Kazmi, Diwan-e-Nasir Kazmi, Ameen-ud-Daula Park, Lucknow, 1977, p. 31.
  2. Ahmad Faraz, Kulliyat-e-Ahmad Faraz, Nashir: Khalid Sharif, Jamia Hamdard, Delhi, 1989, p. 694.
  3. Munir Niazi, Jangal Mein Dhanak, Mawra Publishers, Lahore, 1993, pp. 40, 62.
  4. Shakeb Jalali, Roshni Ae Roshni, Book Depot, Hyderabad, 1997, p. 42.
  5. Abbas Tabish, Agar Main Sher Na Kehta, Al-Hamd Publishers, Lahore, 2022, p. 181.
  6. Jaun Elia, Kulliyat-e-Jaun Elia, Nashir: Muhammad Nasir Khan, Education Mission Library and Research Centre, 2015, p. 256.
  7. Javed Akhtar, Tarkash, Star Publications, 2008, p. 141.
  8. Javed Akhtar, Lava, Nashir: Raj Kamal, 2012, p. 25

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Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

Afzal, S., & Qandeel, B. (2026). جدید اُردو شعراکے ہاں ”جنگل“ کا استعارہ: The Metaphor of the Forest in the Poetry of Modern Urdu Poets. Zauq-e-Tahqeeq, 8(2), 55–61. Retrieved from http://zauq-e-tahqeeq.com/index.php/ZT/article/view/465

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): Zauq-e-Tahqeeq

Section

Urdu