C NUIT
by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier
Adapted Version
A kind tailor and wife lived in town. They loved to laugh! Their names were Mr. Stitch and Mrs. Stitch. They lived in a far-off land. This is their funny story.
Mr. Stitch worked in his shop. One day, a man came. He had a funny back. He played music. He sang happy songs. Mr. Stitch liked him. "Come to my house," Mr. Stitch said. "My wife will like you. We will eat dinner. You can sing for us." He said yes.
Mr. Stitch closed his shop. He took the man home. Mrs. Stitch waited for them. She made a big fish dinner. They all sat down. They ate the fish. The Funny Little Man ate too. Oh dear! He ate a big fish bone. He coughed and coughed. Then he fell very, very still. He was like he was sleeping deeply.
Mr. Stitch looked at Mrs. Stitch. Mrs. Stitch looked at Mr. Stitch. They were very scared. "Oh no!" said Mr. Stitch. "We are in big trouble." "Yes," said Mrs. Stitch. "We must move him. No one must know. Silly idea. They hid the still man.
They had a plan. A Kind Doctor lived nearby. Mr. Stitch took the man's feet. Mrs. Stitch took the man's head. They carried the very still man. They walked to the doctor's house. It was very dark. They found a steep stair. They left the man there.
Mr. Stitch knocked on the door. Lily the Helper opened it. "This man is not well," Mr. Stitch said. He gave Lily some money. "Give this to your master. He will help the man." Then Mr. Stitch ran home.
Lily told The Kind Doctor. "Someone is here! A man is not well." She gave money. The doctor was happy. He wanted to help. He ran to the stairs. It was very, very dark. He did not wait for light.
The Kind Doctor went down fast. He could not see well. Oh dear! He bumped into something. It was the very still man. The man rolled down the stairs. Bump, bump, bump! The doctor almost fell too. He was very clumsy.
Lily brought a light. The Kind Doctor saw the man. "Oh no! Oh dear!" he cried. "I hurt him very, very badly. He fell asleep forever. What did I do? I am in big trouble now. He was scared.
The Kind Doctor closed his door. He picked up the very still man. He took him to his wife. His wife saw the man. "Oh no!" she cried too. "We are in big, big trouble. What will we do now? This is a silly mess."
Original Story
C NUIT.
Dinarzade ne manqua pas de réveiller avant le jour la sultane des Indes, laquelle, après avoir demandé à Schahriar la permission de commencer l'histoire qu'elle avait promis de raconter, prit ainsi la parole:
HISTOIRE DU PETIT BOSSU. Il y avait autrefois à Casgar, aux extrémités de la Grande- Tartarie, un tailleur qui avait une très-belle femme qu'il aimait beaucoup et dont il était aimé de même. Un jour, qu'il travaillait, un petit bossu vint s'asseoir à l'entrée de sa boutique et se mit à chanter en jouant du tambour de basque. Le tailleur prit plaisir à l'entendre et résolut de l'emmener dans sa maison pour réjouir sa femme. «Avec ses chansons plaisantes, disait-il, il nous divertira tous deux ce soir.» Il lui en fit la proposition, et le bossu l'ayant acceptée, il ferma sa boutique et le mena chez lui.
Dès qu'ils y furent arrivés, la femme du tailleur, qui avait déjà mis le couvert, parce qu'il était temps de souper, servit un bon plat de poisson qu'elle avait préparé. Ils se mirent tous trois à table; mais en mangeant, le bossu avala, par malheur, une grosse arête ou un os, dont il mourut en peu de moments, sans que le tailleur et sa femme y puissent remédier. Ils furent l'un et l'autre d'autant plus effrayés de cet accident, qu'il était arrivé chez eux et qu'ils avaient sujet de craindre que, si la justice venait à le savoir, on ne les punît comme des assassins. Le mari, néanmoins, trouva un expédient pour se défaire du corps mort. Il fit réflexion qu'il demeurait dans le voisinage un médecin juif, et là-dessus ayant formé un projet, pour commencer à l'exécuter, sa femme et lui prirent le bossu l'un par les pieds et l'autre par la tête, et le portèrent jusqu'au logis du médecin. Ils frappèrent à sa porte, où aboutissait un escalier très-raide par où l'on montait à sa chambre; une servante descend aussitôt même sans lumière, ouvre, et demande ce qu'ils souhaitent. «Remontez, s'il vous plaît, répondit le tailleur, et dites à votre maître que nous lui amenons un homme bien malade pour qu'il lui ordonne quelque remède. Tenez ajouta-t-il en lui mettant en main une pièce d'argent, donnez-lui cela par avance, afin qu'il soit persuadé que nous n'avons pas dessein de lui faire perdre sa peine.» Pendant que la servante remonta pour faire part au médecin juif d'une si bonne nouvelle, le tailleur et sa femme portèrent promptement le corps du bossu au haut de l'escalier, le laissèrent là, et retournèrent chez eux en diligence.
Cependant la servante ayant dit au médecin qu'un homme et une femme l'attendaient à la porte et le priaient de descendre pour voir un malade qu'ils avaient amené, et lui ayant remis entre les mains l'argent qu'elle avait reçu, il se laissa transporter de joie; se voyant payé d'avance, il crut que c'était une bonne pratique qu'on lui amenait et qu'il ne fallait pas négliger. «Prends vite de la lumière, dit-il à la servante, et suis-moi.» En disant cela il s'avança vers l'escalier avec tant de précipitation, qu'il n'attendit point qu'on l'éclairât, et venant à rencontrer le bossu, il lui donna du pied dans les côtes si rudement qu'il le fit rouler jusqu'au bas de l'escalier. Peu s'en fallut qu'il ne tombât et ne roulât avec lui. «Apporte donc vite de la lumière, cria-t-il à sa servante.» Enfin elle arriva; il descendit avec elle, et trouvant que ce qui avait roulé était un homme mort, il fut tellement effrayé de ce spectacle, qu'il invoqua Moïse, Aaron, Josué, Esdras et tous les autres prophètes de sa loi. «Malheureux que je suis! disait-il, pourquoi ai-je voulu descendre sans lumière? J'ai achevé de tuer ce malade qu'on m'avait amené. Je suis cause de sa mort, et si le bon âne d'Esdras ne vient à mon secours, je suis perdu. Hélas! on va bientôt me tirer de chez moi comme un meurtrier.»
Malgré le trouble qui l'agitait, il ne laissa pas d'avoir la précaution de fermer sa porte, de peur que par hasard quelqu'un venant à passer par la rue, ne s'aperçût du malheur dont il se croyait la cause. Il prit ensuite le cadavre, le porta dans la chambre de sa femme, qui faillit à s'évanouir quand elle le vit entrer avec cette fatale charge. «Ah! c'est fait de nous, s'écria- t-elle, si nous ne trouvons moyen de mettre cette nuit, hors de chez nous, ce corps mort! Nous perdrons indubitablement la vie si nous le gardons jusqu'au jour. Quel malheur! Comment avez-vous donc fait pour tuer cet homme? - Il ne s'agit point de cela, repartit le juif; il s'agit de trouver un remède à un mal si pressant…» Mais, sire, dit Scheherazade en s'interrompant en cet endroit, je ne fais pas réflexion qu'il est jour. À ces mots elle se tut, et la nuit suivante elle poursuivit de cette sorte l'histoire du petit bossu:
Story DNA
Plot Summary
A tailor invites a cheerful hunchback to dinner, where the hunchback accidentally chokes to death on a fish bone. Fearing execution, the tailor and his wife secretly leave the body at a Jewish doctor's house. The doctor, rushing in the dark, trips over the body, believing he has killed the man. Panicked, he and his wife then plot to dispose of the body themselves, setting off a chain of events where the hunchback's body is passed from one terrified person to another, each believing they are the killer.
Themes
Emotional Arc
fear to relief (for each character)
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is part of 'One Thousand and One Nights' (Arabian Nights), a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. The frame story of Scheherazade telling tales to Sultan Shahryar is integral.
Plot Beats (10)
- Scheherazade begins the story of the little hunchback.
- A tailor invites a hunchback entertainer to dinner with his wife.
- The hunchback accidentally chokes to death on a fish bone during dinner.
- The tailor and his wife, fearing murder charges, decide to secretly dispose of the body.
- They carry the body to a Jewish doctor's house and leave it at the top of a dark, steep staircase.
- The tailor gives the doctor's servant money, claiming they brought a sick man.
- The doctor, eager for a patient and payment, rushes down the stairs in the dark.
- The doctor trips over the hunchback's body, sending it tumbling down the stairs.
- Believing he has killed the man, the doctor is terrified and invokes prophets.
- The doctor brings the body to his wife, who is equally horrified and fears they will be executed.
Characters
Dinarzade
Slender and graceful, with delicate features typical of a woman from the Indian subcontinent. Her height is average, and she moves with quiet efficiency.
Attire: A flowing silk salwar kameez or a lehenga choli, made from fine, richly colored fabrics like crimson or emerald green, possibly embroidered with gold thread. She might wear delicate gold bangles and earrings.
Wants: To support her sister, Scheherazade, and ensure her survival by prompting her to continue her stories.
Flaw: Her position is entirely dependent on Scheherazade's success, making her vulnerable to the Sultan's whims.
Her role is consistent throughout the frame story, acting as a catalyst for Scheherazade's narratives.
Obedient, loyal, attentive, and discreet. She is a dutiful sister and companion.
Scheherazade
A woman of striking beauty and intelligence, with a commanding yet graceful presence. Her build is slender but resilient, reflecting her mental fortitude. She is of average height for a woman of her region.
Attire: Exquisite, flowing silk robes in rich jewel tones like sapphire blue or ruby red, possibly embroidered with intricate patterns of gold or silver thread. She might wear a delicate veil or headpiece, and fine gold jewelry.
Wants: To survive by captivating the Sultan with her stories, and ultimately to save the women of the kingdom from his wrath.
Flaw: Her life is constantly at risk, dependent on her ability to entertain and intrigue the Sultan.
She begins as a woman risking her life to save others and gradually transforms the Sultan's heart and mind through her narratives, ultimately becoming a revered queen.
Intelligent, resourceful, courageous, eloquent, and determined. She possesses immense wit and storytelling prowess.
Sultan Schahriar
A powerful and imposing figure, likely with a strong build befitting a ruler. His presence commands respect and fear. He is of average height for a man of his region.
Attire: Luxurious royal attire, such as a flowing thobe or kaftan made of rich brocade or silk, in deep colors like royal purple or crimson, often embroidered with gold thread. He would wear a jeweled turban and possibly a ceremonial dagger at his waist.
Wants: Initially driven by a desire for revenge against perceived female infidelity, later by curiosity and a longing for wisdom and entertainment.
Flaw: His initial deep-seated mistrust and cruelty, which led him to his murderous decree.
Transforms from a tyrannical and vengeful ruler into a just and wise king, cured of his cruelty by Scheherazade's narratives.
Initially cruel, vengeful, and distrustful of women, but gradually becomes intrigued, thoughtful, and eventually softened by Scheherazade's stories.
The Tailor
A man of average build, perhaps slightly stooped from years of sitting and sewing. He is not particularly tall, with nimble hands. He is a man from Casgar, in Greater Tartary, suggesting Central Asian features.
Attire: Practical, everyday clothing for a craftsman in Casgar: a simple tunic (chapan) made of cotton or wool, possibly in muted colors like brown or blue, worn over trousers. He might wear a small, round cap (doppa) on his head.
Wants: To live a peaceful life with his wife, to enjoy simple pleasures, and to avoid legal trouble.
Flaw: His fear of authority and his tendency to make impulsive, ill-conceived decisions under pressure.
Begins as a happy, unassuming man, then becomes increasingly panicked and desperate as he tries to dispose of the Little Hunchback's body, leading to a series of escalating mishaps.
Kind-hearted, easily pleased, somewhat naive, and prone to panic when faced with unexpected trouble. He is devoted to his wife.
The Tailor's Wife
A beautiful woman, as described by the story, of average height and graceful build. She is from Casgar, in Greater Tartary, suggesting Central Asian features.
Attire: Elegant but practical clothing for a married woman in Casgar: a long dress (koylak) made of patterned silk or cotton, possibly in vibrant colors, worn with a headscarf (rumol) and perhaps a small embroidered vest. She might wear simple jewelry.
Wants: To protect her husband and herself from legal repercussions, and to maintain their peaceful life.
Flaw: Her fear and panic, which lead her to participate in her husband's increasingly desperate plans.
Begins as a happy, domestic woman, then becomes increasingly terrified and complicit in the attempts to dispose of the Little Hunchback's body.
Loving, domestic, easily frightened, and supportive of her husband, even in his ill-conceived schemes.
The Little Hunchback
A small man with a pronounced hunchback, making him appear shorter than average. Despite his physical condition, he is lively and energetic. His ethnicity is likely Central Asian, consistent with Casgar.
Attire: Simple, worn but clean clothes, perhaps a tunic and trousers, in muted colors. He carries a tambourine. His clothing would be typical of a street entertainer in Casgar.
Wants: To earn a living through his musical performances and to bring happiness to people.
Flaw: His physical vulnerability, which leads to his accidental death.
His brief appearance serves as the catalyst for the entire comedic chain of events, dying accidentally and becoming a burden to others.
Cheerful, entertaining, lively, and good-natured. He enjoys bringing joy to others through his music.
The Jewish Doctor
A man of average height and build, likely appearing somewhat disheveled due to his profession and the late hour. He is a Jewish man living in Casgar, suggesting a Middle Eastern or Central Asian Jewish appearance.
Attire: Practical, somewhat formal clothing for a doctor of the period: a long robe (jubbah) made of wool or linen, possibly in a dark color, worn over simpler garments. He might wear a turban or a simple cap.
Wants: To earn money from his medical practice, and to avoid legal trouble at all costs.
Flaw: His greed, which makes him rush without caution, and his overwhelming fear of legal repercussions.
Begins as a hopeful, money-driven professional, then becomes a terrified man convinced he has committed murder, leading him to desperate measures to dispose of the body.
Greedy, easily excited by money, somewhat careless, and prone to extreme panic and self-pity when things go wrong. He is devout in his faith.
The Doctor's Servant Girl
A young woman of average build, likely appearing tired from her duties. She is from Casgar, suggesting Central Asian features.
Attire: Simple, practical servant's attire: a plain tunic and trousers, possibly in drab colors, made of sturdy cotton or linen. She might wear a simple head covering.
Wants: To perform her duties as a servant and assist her master.
Flaw: Her lack of awareness of the unfolding events, making her an unwitting participant in the chaos.
Her role is brief and functional, serving to open the door and fetch light, inadvertently contributing to the Doctor's predicament.
Dutiful, obedient, and efficient. She follows her master's instructions without question.
Locations
Tailor's Shop Entrance
The open entrance of a tailor's shop in Casgar, likely a bustling street-facing stall or alcove, where a small hunchback sits and performs.
Mood: Lively, public, inviting, with a touch of street entertainment.
The tailor first encounters the hunchback and invites him home.
Tailor's Dining Room
A modest dining area within the tailor's home, where a meal of fish is served. It's a private, domestic space.
Mood: Cozy, domestic, but quickly turns to panic and fear.
The hunchback chokes on a fish bone and dies, leading to the tailor and his wife's panic.
Jewish Doctor's Staircase
A very steep, dark staircase leading up to the Jewish doctor's chamber, located just inside his door from the street.
Mood: Dark, treacherous, secretive, leading to accidental chaos.
The tailor and his wife leave the hunchback's body here, and the doctor later trips over it in the dark.