Textual Analysis of the Structure of Heer Ranjha: Application of Propp’s Model of Characters and Functions

Abstract

This study aims to analyze Punjabi Folk Tale Heer Ranjha keeping in view Propp’s perspective of thirty-one (31) functions and seven (7) characters. Usborne (1919) translates into English the Punjabi folk tales Heer Ranjha which was actually written by Punjabi Poet “Waris Shah” a Punjabi Sufi Saint and writer.  The reason of the selection of this folktale is that it is a legendry tale in the literary history of Punjabi language. Being legendry, it has complex structure and characters. This is the reason researcher selects this poem to apply Propp’s model on it. This is qualitative, descriptive and analytic research in nature. Textual analysis of the English Text shows that all the characters and functions of Propp synchronize in this folk tale. This is the significance of the study also because there are less number of folk tales which packed all the characters and function in a single tale. This study agrees with Proppien perspective of Fabula and suzhet also.