There are many fantastic elements within the Arabian Nights, including demons, genies, people transforming into animals and back, and magic. The Story of Jullanar of the Sea demonstrates many elements of fantasy. Jullanar is from a sea kingdom and has the ability to breathe underwater. Her son is not born with this ability, but putting … More Myth and Wonder
Humor is a bit tricky when talking about Arabian Nights. From the perspective of someone born and raised in the American Midwest, I think part of what makes the tales humorous is that they are told very matter-of-factly. The problem is that dry sort of humor might go right over the heads of some people, … More Humor
Romance within Arabian Nights is measured in terms of old-fashioned chivalry (think knights and nobility). There is a focus on values such as courage, dignity, generosity, forgiveness, justice, and freedom. Romance in Arabian Nights can be represented by descriptions of physical attributes, hospitality, adventures, relationships among the court of a king, supernatural elements, and progress … More Romance
One of the most prominent themes in The Arabian Nights is Orientalism. According to Edward Said, orientalism is, according to one definition, the act of classifying us vs. them. Oriental thought is that the West is civilized and the East is not. The argument is that the East does things “backwards” or has a “quaint” … More Orientalism
The World of the Arabian Nights 