CONCLUSION
by Unknown · from The Arabian Nights Entertainments — Volume 04
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.
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Story DNA
Moral
The power of storytelling can heal deep wounds, inspire forgiveness, and bring about positive change.
Plot Summary
After 1001 nights of captivating storytelling, Sultan Shahryar's deep-seated prejudice against women is completely appeased by his wife, Scheherazade. He admires her wisdom and courage, realizing the error of his cruel law. The Sultan forgives Scheherazade, renounces his practice of executing new brides, and declares her the deliverer of her sex. This joyous news spreads throughout the empire, bringing universal applause and blessings to both the Sultan and Scheherazade.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The Arabian Nights (One Thousand and One Nights) is a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. The frame story, of which this is the conclusion, sets up the telling of all the other tales.
Plot Beats (11)
- The Sultan of the Indies admires Scheherazade's prodigious memory and inexhaustible stories.
- One thousand and one nights pass with these entertainments.
- The Sultan's prejudice against women's fidelity is removed, and his temper softens.
- He is convinced of Scheherazade's merit and wisdom, remembering her courage in offering to be his wife.
- Considering her 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 restores his favorable opinion of women and declares Scheherazade the deliverer of the damsels he had intended to sacrifice.
- Scheherazade expresses her profound gratitude to the Sultan.
- The grand vizier learns the news from the Sultan.
- The agreeable intelligence is spread 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 to tall height with a strong, authoritative build. His features would reflect his Middle Eastern heritage, with a tanned complexion and dark, expressive eyes.
Attire: Richly embroidered silk thobe or kaftan in deep jewel tones like sapphire or emerald, possibly with gold threadwork. A wide, intricately patterned sash (kamarband) cinching the waist. He would wear a jeweled turban (imamah) adorned with a large central gem, signifying his royal status.
Wants: To overcome his deep-seated mistrust of women and find a just and peaceful resolution to his kingdom's crisis, while also seeking entertainment and intellectual stimulation.
Flaw: His initial prejudice and quickness to anger, which led him to a cruel law.
Transforms from a vengeful and prejudiced ruler into a just, forgiving, and admiring husband, restoring peace and hope to his kingdom.
Initially prejudiced, stern, and prone to anger, but ultimately capable of admiration, forgiveness, and wisdom. He is swayed by reason and beauty.
Sultaness Scheherazade
A woman of striking beauty and grace, likely of slender build and average height, with features typical of a Middle Eastern woman. Her complexion would be warm and her movements elegant.
Attire: Elegant and modest, yet luxurious. A flowing silk abaya or caftan in soft, rich colors like ivory, rose, or lavender, possibly with subtle gold or silver embroidery. Fine, sheer veils might be draped over her head or shoulders, revealing her beauty while maintaining decorum.
Wants: To save her own life and the lives of countless other women, to soften the Sultan's heart, and to restore justice and peace to the kingdom through the power of her stories.
Flaw: Her initial vulnerability to the Sultan's cruel law, which she bravely faced.
Transforms from a courageous young woman risking her life into the beloved and respected Sultaness, the savior of her sex, and a symbol of wisdom and compassion.
Intelligent, courageous, resourceful, compassionate, and deeply grateful. She is a master storyteller and a wise counselor.
Grand Vizier
An older, distinguished Middle Eastern man, likely of average height with a slightly stooped but still dignified posture. His face would show the wisdom and burdens of his long service.
Attire: Formal court attire, perhaps a deep maroon or forest green brocade kaftan, less ornate than the Sultan's but still indicative of high rank. A simpler, but still elegant, turban without the central jewel of the Sultan.
Wants: To serve his Sultan faithfully and to ensure the well-being and safety of his daughter, Scheherazade, and by extension, the kingdom.
Flaw: His powerlessness to directly intervene in the Sultan's initial cruel law, relying instead on his daughter's bravery.
Experiences immense relief and joy as his daughter succeeds in her mission, seeing the kingdom restored to peace.
Loyal, wise, and relieved. He is a dutiful servant to the Sultan and a loving father to Scheherazade.
Locations
The Sultan's Private Chambers
The intimate, luxurious private quarters of the Sultan, where Scheherazade has spent a thousand and one nights entertaining him with stories. It would be adorned with rich textiles, intricate geometric patterns, and soft lighting.
Mood: Initially tense and uncertain, evolving into one of admiration, relief, and profound gratitude.
The Sultan finally forgives Scheherazade and renounces his cruel law, marking the climax of their long nightly encounters.
The Grand Vizier's Quarters / Palace Corridors
The areas within the palace where the Grand Vizier receives news and where important information is first disseminated before reaching the public. These would be grander, more formal spaces than private chambers, with high ceilings and polished surfaces.
Mood: Initially expectant, then quickly becoming joyous and celebratory as the news spreads.
The Grand Vizier learns of the Sultan's decision, and the news begins its journey to the wider empire.
The City of the Indies
The bustling, vibrant capital city of the Sultan's empire, filled with markets, homes, and public squares, where the news of Scheherazade's triumph is received with universal applause.
Mood: Overjoyed, celebratory, and filled with relief and gratitude.
The people of the empire learn of Scheherazade's success and celebrate her as their deliverer.