World Literature–Essay Assignment – The Thousand and One Nights
| Style | APA |
| Number of words | 716 |
| Number of sources | 0 |
| Spacing | Double |
| PowerPoint slides | 0 |
For this essay, write a 500-word paper (minimum) in which you analyze Shahrayar. Begin by answering the following question:
How are we to interpret Shahrayar’s madness? Does it make sense to you? (Ponder this: Are male egos so fragile in macho societies or is his a special case? Conversely, how are the women portrayed in these stories? Does “good daughters/bad wives” cover it? What are we to make of the relationships between the sexes in light of your answer?
After you think of answers to this question and think about the character of Shahrayar himself write your essay answering this:
What does Shahrayar see as his dilemma? Determine whether you think he has a legitimate dilemma, and then examine the choices he did make. What are the social consequences to his society as a whole? To the people who surround him? What happens to him?
Be sure to cite the primary source in your essay at least once, which means you need to use proper MLA format for the in-text citation and the works cited. Also, make sure you are not using too informal a level of diction (no first person, for example). Secondary sources are not required but must be cited according to MLA if they are to be included. Review Citing an Anthology for citation information.
Sample format:
I. Identify the person (Shahrayar) and discuss the society/culture in which he lived, central issues that were significant to this person, beliefs they attempted to promote with their life’s work, and the impact this work/belief system had on the culture of the time. This is where you will introduce his “insanity.”
II. Write a body paragraph describing in specific detail two examples of the choices which were available to Shahrayar. What drives him? What is significant about these examples that help us to assess his character? In these paragraphs, you may use textual evidence as well as reactions to Shahrayar’s behavior by individual characters.
III. Write a body paragraph describing the dilemma Shahrayar faces in his decisions and choices. What choices might individuals make to express their views about social and cultural issues? Correctly cite evidence to support your analysis.
IV. Write a body paragraph giving evidence of specific consequences resulting from the choices, decisions, and actions taken by this person. Correctly cite evidence to support your analysis.
V. Concluding paragraph.
You must use correct MLA formatting, and you must write in academic language. No text-speak or abbreviations. This MUST be a college-level paper.
Requirements: 500 words or more
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