Arabic Literature

Arabic Literature Reflect the culture's history, social customs, morals, values, and religious beliefs. Different versions of the same stories in various Arabic countries. Share many characteristics Display the social values that the Arabs have in common

Arabic Literature Discusses the position and roles of men and women in society Story telling in the Arab culture is a family activity, and an age old practice. From grandfather to grandchild, from uncle to nephew, or from mother to child, the telling of tales was done in all parts of society and all across the Arab world.

Characteristics Values such as courage, honesty, honor, hospitality, generosity, and loyalty are emphasized

Hero Faith in God is usually expressed through the hero The hero is defined by characteristics such as pride, bravery in war, protecting the weak, and helping the poor.

Women Portrayed as a weak person who needs protection by her man, such as her father, brother, son, husband, or uncle Describe as a housewife who does not have the right to make, or even share in, important decisions Gossip She is accused of not being able to keep her husband’s secrets, since she is always expected to gossip with neighbors and relatives regarding all matters. Thus, she might destroy her husband’s plans

God Faith in God is strongly reflected Hero is said to act according to God’s will For instances, a poor man accepts his poverty because it is his destiny and has been decided by God God may answer the wishes of good people, such as granting a child or bestowing wealth. God also punishes the evil characters that cause trouble for the main protagonist.

King Extremely powerful figure He is the ultimate ruler whose will is never questioned by the public Possesses slaves and has total power over anyone in his country Can marry any woman he desires, can kill people without justifying his acts, and can make people rich or poor whenever he decides

Supernatural Jinn, Jinniyeh, Ghouls, Giants, and Angles are some of the supernatural creatures that appear frequently Two kinds of forces that control human beings: good forces, including God and angels, and evil forces, such as Jinn and Ghouls

Supernatural Good forces are thought to be more powerful than evil forces, but not powerful enough to eliminate them. Arabic folktales and legends are very violent.

Supernatural Arabic folktales and legends are very violent. Describes fights and methods of killing very bluntly, regardless of the age group listening.

Supernatural Include magical elements that, most of the time, help the hero achieve his goals. Examples of such elements include a ring, three hairs of a horse, a crystal ball, slippers, and a flying carpet. These stories are usually based on real life events that stem from the Arabic culture

Use of Formalistic The number three, seven, and forty are very meaningful to Arabs in general Numbers have been used to describe various aspects in the development of events. Expressions such as “seven days and nights” and “forty doors to open” are commonly used.

Logic Lack of the element of logic Sometimes little details that clarify parts of the story are missing

Morals Most of the tales have morals that teach the listener or reader right from wrong Common morals are “practice is key for success,” “satisfaction and contentment keep you out of trouble,” loyalty is always rewarded,” and “stealing is usually discovered and punished”.

The Thousand and One Nights Also known (inaccurately) as The Arabian Nights A collection of stories collected over thousands of years by various authors, translators and scholars in various countries Well known stories from The Nights include “Aladdin’s Wonderful Lamp,” “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” and “The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor”

The Thousand and One Nights The tales in the collection can be traced to the Indian, Persian, and Arab ancient storytelling traditions. The tales vary widely: they include historical tales, love stories, tragedies, comedies, poems, burlesques, various forms of erotica, and Muslim religious legends. Numerous stories depict magicians, and legendary places, which are often intermingled with real people and geography; Story within a story

Here is how the story goes…

Influences

Literature Alexandre Dumas wrote "The Count of Monte Cristo" in which the protagonist is deeply influenced by the Orient and adopts Sinbad the Sailor as one of his many aliases. Edgar Allan Poe wrote a "Thousand and Second Night" as a separate tale, called "The Thousand and Second Tale of Scheherazade." It depicts the 8th and final voyage of Sinbad the Sailor, along with the various mysteries Sinbad and his crew encounter;

Film and Television 2003 animated feature Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, 1958 movie The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad 2000 Emmy award-winning miniseries Arabian Nights

Games Sonic and the Secret Rings Tails as Ali Baba Knuckles as Sinbad Doctor Eggman as King Shahryar. Erazor Djinn was once the "Genie of the Lamp" from the story "Aladdin," who was also responsible for turning King Solomon into a skeleton. Magic: The Gathering was "Arabian Nights," containing cards based on and inspired by A Thousand and One Nights.