CONCLUSION
by Unknown · from The Arabian Nights Entertainments - Complete
Adapted Version
Once, a Sultan was sad. He loved stories from clever Scheherazade.
The Sultan listened to Scheherazade. She told him many good stories. He liked her stories very much. Many nights passed. He loved her stories. He thought she was very clever. He admired her good stories.
The stories made the Sultan happy. His anger went away. He was not sad now. He felt peace inside. His heart grew warm. He felt kind now. Scheherazade's stories changed his heart. He became a good man.
The Sultan knew Scheherazade was smart. She had many good ideas. She was very brave too. She came to be his wife. This made him happy. He saw her good heart. He saw her true worth.
The Sultan liked Scheherazade very much. He saw all her good ways. He was happy with her. He let go of his sadness. His dark thoughts left him. He felt kind to her now.
The Sultan spoke to Scheherazade. He spoke with a soft voice. "You made my anger go away," he said. "I will change my bad rule
Original Story
CONCLUSION.
The sultan of the Indies could not but admire the prodigious and inexhaustible memory of the sultaness his wife, who had entertained him so many nights with such a variety of interesting stories.
A thousand and one nights had passed away in these innocent amusements, which contributed so much towards removing the sultan's unhappy prejudice against the fidelity of women. His temper was softened. He was convinced of the merit and great wisdom of the sultaness Scheherazade. He remembered with what courage she had offered to be his wife, without fearing the death to which she knew she exposed herself, as so many sultanesses had suffered within her knowledge.
These considerations, and the many other good qualities he knew her to possess, induced him at last to forgive her. "I see, lovely Scheherazade," said he, "that you can never be at a loss for these little stories, which have so long diverted me. You have appeased my anger. I freely renounce the law I had imposed on myself. I restore your sex to my favourable opinion, and will have you to be regarded as the deliverer of the many damsels I had resolved to sacrifice to my unjust resentment."
The sultaness cast herself at his feet, and embraced them tenderly with all the marks of the most lively and perfect gratitude.
The grand vizier was the first who learned this agreeable intelligence from the sultan's own mouth. It was instantly carried to the city, towns, and provinces; and gained the sultan, and the lovely Scheherazade his consort, universal applause, and the blessings of all the people of the extensive empire of the Indies.
End of Volume 4.
*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS - COMPLETE ***
Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will be renamed.
Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark license, especially commercial redistribution.
Story DNA
Moral
The power of narrative and wisdom can overcome prejudice and bring about profound change.
Plot Summary
After 1001 nights of captivating stories, the Sultan of the Indies reflects on his wife Scheherazade's prodigious memory, wisdom, and courage. Her narratives have softened his temper and removed his prejudice against women, leading him to forgive her and renounce his cruel law of executing new brides. He declares Scheherazade the deliverer of many damsels, prompting her profound gratitude. The joyous news quickly spreads throughout the empire, earning the Sultan and Scheherazade universal applause and blessings.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This is the conclusion to 'One Thousand and One Nights' (also known as 'Arabian Nights'), a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. The framing device involves Scheherazade telling stories to her husband, King Shahryar, to delay her execution and cure him of his misogynistic rage.
Plot Beats (9)
- The Sultan of the Indies admires Scheherazade's memory and storytelling ability after 1001 nights.
- He reflects on how her stories have removed his prejudice against women and softened his temper.
- He acknowledges her merit, great wisdom, and courage in becoming his wife.
- Considering her many good qualities, the Sultan decides to forgive her.
- The Sultan tells Scheherazade that she has appeased his anger and he renounces his cruel law.
- He declares that he restores his favorable opinion of women and regards her as the deliverer of the many damsels he had intended to sacrifice.
- Scheherazade expresses profound gratitude, embracing his feet.
- The Grand Vizier learns the news from the Sultan, and it quickly spreads throughout the empire.
- The Sultan and Scheherazade receive universal applause and blessings from all the people.
Characters
Sultan of the Indies
A man of regal bearing, likely of average height and a sturdy build, reflecting a life of luxury but also the responsibilities of leadership. His features would be distinctly Middle Eastern, with a strong nose and dark, expressive eyes.
Attire: Richly embroidered thobe or kaftan made of fine silk or brocade, likely in deep jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green, or ruby red, with gold threadwork. He would wear a jeweled turban (amamah) wrapped with a fine silk scarf, possibly with a plume. A wide, ornate sash (hizam) would cinch his waist, from which a curved, jeweled scimitar might hang.
Wants: To find a woman worthy of his trust and love, and to overcome his deep-seated prejudice against women's fidelity, which stemmed from past betrayals.
Flaw: His extreme prejudice and quickness to anger, leading him to impose a cruel law.
Transforms from a vengeful and prejudiced ruler into a benevolent and understanding husband, restoring his faith in women and his own humanity.
Initially prejudiced, vengeful, and stern, but ultimately capable of admiration, forgiveness, and wisdom. He is swayed by reason and beauty.
Sultaness Scheherazade
A woman of captivating beauty and grace, likely slender and of average height, with features typical of the Middle East. Her presence is both delicate and strong, reflecting her intelligence and courage.
Attire: Exquisite and modest, yet luxurious, reflecting her status as Sultaness. She would wear a finely woven silk or brocade dress (abaya or similar flowing garment) in soft, rich colors like ivory, rose, or pale gold, possibly with intricate embroidery. Delicate gold jewelry, such as bracelets and earrings, would adorn her. Her head might be covered with a sheer, embroidered veil or a jeweled headpiece.
Wants: To save her own life, to end the Sultan's cruel law, and to restore his faith in women, thereby saving countless other damsels.
Flaw: Her initial vulnerability to the Sultan's decree, which she bravely overcomes.
Transforms from a condemned bride into the beloved and respected Sultaness, the 'deliverer of many damsels,' and a symbol of wisdom and courage.
Intelligent, courageous, resourceful, eloquent, and deeply compassionate. She is a master storyteller and a strategic thinker.
Grand Vizier
A man of dignified appearance, likely older, with a wise and perhaps slightly weary countenance from years of service. He would be of average height and build, with a presence that commands respect.
Attire: Formal court attire, such as a long, flowing silk kaftan or jubbah in a deep, respectable color like forest green or deep burgundy, possibly with subtle gold trim. He would wear a more modest but still elegant turban than the Sultan, signifying his high rank but subservience. A wide, embroidered sash would complete his attire.
Wants: To serve his Sultan faithfully and to ensure the well-being of his daughter, Scheherazade.
Flaw: His inability to directly challenge the Sultan's decree, relying on his daughter's ingenuity.
Experiences relief and joy as his daughter succeeds in her mission, bringing peace to the kingdom and ending the Sultan's cruel law.
Loyal, wise, and initially fearful for his daughter's life, but ultimately relieved and proud. He is a dutiful servant of the Sultan.
Locations
The Sultan's Private Chambers
An opulent, private chamber within an Arabian palace, likely adorned with rich textiles, intricate geometric patterns, and soft lighting suitable for intimate storytelling sessions over many nights.
Mood: Initially tense and foreboding, gradually transforming into one of warmth, intimacy, and profound relief.
The sultan delivers his final pardon to Scheherazade, renouncing his cruel law and acknowledging her wisdom and courage after 'a thousand and one nights' of storytelling. Scheherazade casts herself at his feet in gratitude.
The Palace Courtyard / City Square
A bustling public space, either within the palace complex or a central city square, where important news would be announced and celebrated by the populace.
Mood: Jubilant, celebratory, filled with relief and widespread happiness.
The news of Scheherazade's triumph and the sultan's change of heart is announced to the grand vizier and then spread throughout the city, towns, and provinces, leading to universal applause and blessings.