Dhvani in Elif Shafak's The Forty Rules of Love: An Analysis Through the Lens of Anandavardhana's Dhvani Theory

Abstract Elif Shafak's work "The Forty Rules of Love" is centred on Rumi and Shams Tabrizi as it depicts their changing relationship. Many researchers have published their findings related to this book. There are several literature studies which have examined various aspects of the novel focusing on style, theme and character development. Nevertheless, there is a research gap when it comes to applying Indian Aesthetics with specific regard to Anandavardhana’s Dhvani theory. We know that aesthetics contributes significantly to the shaping of literary texts by evoking emotions, creating worlds, developing characters, etc., and satisfying readers’ readings. Much of this is achieved through such elements as language, images, symbols, rhythmical patterns and forms. Some themes explored in the book include love, change, culture, Sufi mysticism, bending rules, storytelling magic. Through parallel accounts about Ella and Rumi the author undermines typical religious interpretations, praises anomalous romance and comments on today’s lives. It also brings out the fact that literature can transform lives by telling stories. Complexity and subtlety characterize "The Forty Rules of Love" by Elif Shafak enabling one to appreciate life’s ambiguities, and by always taking them along into love, change and spirituality. Key Words: Dhvani theory, Aesthetics, suggestive meaning, Indian Aesthetics