Writing Homework Help

Intro to introduction question: 

This week we begin our reading and exploration of Naguib Mahfouz’s Arabian Nights and Days, a text that offers readers a vibrant, imaginative reworking of the collection of tales originally known as The Thousand and One Days or The Arabian Nights.  Mahfouz’s text begins, quite literally, where the original breaks off: Shahriyar, the Sultan, is now ready to enjoy his married life with Shahrzad whose stories magically extinguished the murderous rage that resulted in the execution of hundreds if not thousands of innocent young women. When we first encounter Shahrzad in Mahfouz’s text, she is not happy, even though she has successfully transformed the Sultan with her stories; she should be joyful that death has been averted, for herself and for (possibly) so many more young women. But she is not. Mahfouz’s text takes us into the heart of the city where the Sultan’s palace is situated, and we discover there strange and disturbing events that defy rational explanation. Over the next few weeks we will continue to explore Mahfouz’s narrative with its strange events and strange characters, and we will discover if Shahrzad is able to find peace in the palace, and some joy in her marriage to Shahriyar.

Discussion Question:

Despite the fact that she has been able to convince the bloodthirsty sultan to spare her life because of her storytelling, Shahrzad is not happy. In the second section of Mahfouz’s text, Shahrzad admits to her father:

“But you know, father, she said in a whisper, “that I am unhappy.”

“Be careful, daughter, for thoughts assume concrete forms in palaces and give voice.”

“I sacrificed myself,” she said sorrowfully, “in order to stem the torrent of blood.”  (3)

“He loves you, Shahrzad,” he pleaded.

“Arrogance and love do not come together in one heart. He loves himself first and last.”

“Love also has its miracles.”

“Whenever he approaches me I breathe the smell of blood.”

“The sultan is not like the rest of humankind.”

“But a crime is a crime. How many virgins has he killed? How many pious and God-fearing people has he wiped out! Only hypocrites are left in the kingdom.”        (4)

This is a disturbing conversation between father and daughter. What information does this exchange provide readers about the speakers, Dandan and Shahrzad? What do readers learn about the sultan, Shahriyar? Since the storytelling process has been successful and the daily executions of young women has come to an end, readers will expect a “happily ever after” continuation of the original Arabian Nights. But what might this exchange suggest about the future for the sultan’s marriage, even the future of the sultan’s kingdom, in this particular version of the story (or stories)?

Write a paragraph 8-10 sentences minimum. Make sure to address all the questions asked below in the paragraph.