Anthology B – the short stories King Schariah... Friday, 22 February 2019 Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013

Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013 An introduction This story introduces one of the great characters of literature: Scheherazade. Do some research about this character and see how she has inspired works of art across the whole world. Take as your starting point: “from The Arabian Nights”

Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013 The Arabian Nights: We are reading the introduction which establishes a framework for the retelling of folk tales. Do you think the characters are historically accurate? What might their names suggest? How were stories told in ancient times? How might your response be supported by looking at the text?

Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013 Approach In paper 2 you need to be able to write about either a short story or a poem from Anthology B. You need to address: Setting: era and location Structure Character Language

Read the passage, then: Ask the following: When is the story set? Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013 Read the passage, then: Ask the following: When is the story set? What times of day are used in the story? Is there a noticeable structure to the story? How are the main characters presented?

Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013 An ancient text: In ancient times, oral transmission was the main method of conveying “literature”. Can you find any examples to suggest that the reader is being treated like a listener in this passage? Is there any significance in the idea of the whole story being set in the palace and against the background of the great ruler? Scheherazade begins her story around dawn. What does this time of day generally signify? Why do you think it is used in this case?

Is there an outline structure to the story? Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013 Is there an outline structure to the story? Look at the following lines. What do you notice about the storytelling at these points? L 36 L79 Can you find a way to describe the three sections of the story split by these lines. Look carefully at the central section: what feature of the writing adds to the vividness of the storytelling in this section?

The closing line: “So Scheherazade began”. Began what? Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013 The closing line: “So Scheherazade began”. Began what? Why are we intrigued by this statement? To tell a story? To prolong her life? To save all women from death? To win honour? To be of service? To trick the King?

Characters Defined by language and particularly verbs… Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013 Characters Defined by language and particularly verbs… Not very descriptive – we have no idea what anyone actually looks like! Look closely at LL40-55. What verbs does Scheherazade use and what do they suggest of her character? What is the major contrast established in this story in terms of gender?

Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013 Do characters change? LL 1-14: How would you describe Schariah in this section? You might make a list of the character traits suggested. Once he discovers his wife’s secret – how does his character change? Against this, does Scheherezade appear to be a strong/good character or is the King correct in LL 19-20? What are her strongest character traits and how are they presented?

Language: What is the effect of the dialogue in the passage? Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013 Language: What is the effect of the dialogue in the passage? The writing is concise. Words are not wasted. Look at the descriptions of characters and see if you can find examples of this technique.

Question In all questions, consider: Jonathan Peel UCGS 2013 Question In all questions, consider: Presentation of and contrasts between the characters of the Sultan and Scheherazade How the minor characters add interest to the story despite being under developed. How the writer uses language to create effect in his telling of the story.