ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS

• What is another name for "The Thousand and One Nights"?

  Arabian Nights
• What is the Arabic title for "The Thousand and One Nights"?

  Alf Laylah wa Laylah
• What type of stories does "The Thousand and One Nights" contain?

  Middle Eastern and Indian stories
• What are some famous tales from "The Thousand and One Nights"?

  Aladdin, Alibaba, Sinbad the Sailor
• When were the tales of Aladdin, Alibaba, and Sinbad added to the collection?

  In the 18th century
• How did the tales of "The Thousand and One Nights" influence Western folklore?

  They became part of Western folklore
• What literary structure is used in "The Thousand and One Nights"?

  • Frame story
  • Contains various genres:
  • Fairy tales
  • Romances
  • Legends
  • Fables
  • Parables
  • Anecdotes
  • Exotic or realistic adventures
• Where is the setting of "The Thousand and One Nights"?

  Central Asia or the islands or peninsulae of India and China
• Who is the main character in the frame story of "The Thousand and One Nights"?

  King Shahryar
• What motivates King Shahryar's actions in the story?

  His wife's unfaithfulness
• What does King Shahryar do after discovering his wife's infidelity?

  He kills her and her lovers
• What does the king do to his wives?

  Kills a new wife each day
• Why does the king marry and kill a new wife each day?

  He loathes all womankind
• Who has two daughters in the story?

  The vizier
• What is the name of the elder daughter of the vizier?

  Shahrazad (Scheherazade)
• What scheme does Shahrazad devise to save herself?

  She insists on marrying the king
• What does Shahrazad do each evening to keep the king intrigued?

  Tells a story and leaves it unfinished
• How does the king respond to Shahrazad's storytelling?

  He keeps her alive until the next night
• How long does Shahrazad tell stories to the king?

  More than 3 years
• What significant event occurs at the end of 1,001 nights?

  The king lets Shahrazad live
• How many male heirs does Shahrazad produce during her storytelling?

  Three male heirs
• Vizier's two daughters

  • Shahrazad
  • Dunyazad
• What does the frame story reveal about men and women?

  It highlights the humiliation of men discovering infidelity.
• How is male humiliation depicted in various cultures?

  As discovering a wife's infidelity.
• How does the Muslim world of the Middle East compare to other societies regarding male dominance?

  It was even more male dominated than most societies.
• What is the significance of the king's humiliation in the context of the story?

  It reflects the extreme male dominance of the culture.
• What is notable about Shahrazad's character in the story?

  Her calm wisdom is impressive given the context.
• What does the phrase "God alone is all knowing" imply in the context of the story?

  It emphasizes divine wisdom and power.
• Who was the king of the countries of India and China in ancient times?

  King Shahriyar.
• What was the name of Shahriyar's younger brother?

  Shah-zeman.
• What does the king possess in terms of resources?

  Numerous troops, guards, and servants.
• What regions did King Shahriyar rule over?

  India and China.
• What does the term "domestic dependents" refer to in the context of the king's resources?


  Individuals who rely on the king for support.
• What is the significance of the frame story in literature?

  It provides a narrative structure and context.
• How does the cultural context influence the portrayal of infidelity in the story?

  It highlights the extreme consequences for men.
• How long did each king rule over his subjects?

  20 years
• What was the elder king's desire after 20 years?

  To see his brother
• What did the elder king order his wezir to do?

  To bring his brother to him
• What did the elder king send forth for his journey?

  Tents, camels, mules, servants, and guards
• Who did the elder king appoint as governor during his absence?

  His wezir