CVII NUIT
by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier
Adapted Version
Once, a kind merchant lived in a busy town. One day, he saw Mr. Ben. Mr. Ben was a young man. He rode his donkey. Mr. Omar went to him. "Come down," Mr. Omar said. "I have your money. I want to pay you now."
Mr. Ben looked happy. He smiled at Mr. Omar. "No, thank you," Mr. Ben said. "I do not need money now. I know it is safe with you. I will come back later. I will come when my money is gone." Mr. Ben was very cheerful.
Mr. Ben left quickly. He rode his donkey away. Mr. Omar thought, "He will come back much later. I will keep his money safe. I can use it for a while." Mr. Omar waited for Mr. Ben.
One whole year passed by. Mr. Omar did not see Mr. Ben. Then, Mr. Ben came back. He wore rich clothes again. His clothes were very fine. But Mr. Ben did not look happy. He looked like he had a worry.
Mr. Omar asked Mr. Ben to his house. "Please eat with me," he said. Mr. Ben said, "Yes, I will come. But please make a simple meal. Do not make a big feast." Mr. Omar agreed.
Mr. Ben came inside the house. They sat down to eat. Mr. Omar watched Mr. Ben closely. Mr. Ben ate his food. He used his left hand to eat. He put food in his mouth. He used his left hand again and again. Mr. Ben never used his right hand at all. Mr. Omar saw this clearly. It was very strange.
Mr. Omar was very surprised. He thought about Mr. Ben. "I know this man," he thought. "He is always polite. Why does he not use his right hand? Is he angry with me? Does he not like me? Or is there another reason? What is wrong with his right hand? I do not know." Mr. Omar felt very curious. He wanted to ask.
Mr. Omar did not ask Mr. Ben. The meal finished. Mr. Ben left the house. Mr. Omar still wondered. He did not know the answer. The mystery stayed with him. And that is the end of the story. We still do not know why Mr. Ben only used his left hand. It is a big mystery!
Original Story
CVII NUIT.
«D'abord que j'aperçus le jeune marchand j'allai au-devant lui; je le conjurai de descendre et lui demandai s'il ne voulait donc pas que je lui comptasse l'argent que j'avais à lui. «Cela ne presse pas, me répondit-il d'un air gai et content, je sais qu'il est en bonne main; je viendrai le prendre quand j'aurai dépensé tout ce que j'ai, et qu'il ne me restera plus autre chose.» À ces mots, il donna un coup de fouet à son âne, et je l'eus bientôt perdu de vue. «Bon, dis-je en moi-même, il me dit de l'attendre à la fin de la semaine, et selon son discours je ne le verrai peut-être de longtemps. Je vais cependant faire valoir son argent, ce sera un revenant-bon pour moi.»
«Je ne me trompai pas dans ma conjecture: l'année se passa avant que j'entendisse parler du jeune homme. Au bout de l'an il parut aussi richement vêtu que la dernière fois, mais il me semblait avoir quelque chose dans l'esprit. Je le suppliai de me faire l'honneur d'entrer chez moi. «Je le veux bien pour cette fois, me répondit-il, mais à condition que vous ne ferez pas de dépense extraordinaire pour moi. - Je ne ferai que ce qu'il vous plaira, repris-je; descendez donc, de grâce.» Il mit pied à terre et entra chez moi. Je donnai des ordres pour le régal que je voulais lui faire, et, en attendant qu'on servît, nous commençâmes à nous entretenir. Quand le repas fut prêt, nous nous assîmes à table. Dès le premier morceau je remarquai qu'il le prit de la main gauche, et je fus fort étonné de voir qu'il ne se servait nullement de la droite. Je ne savais ce que j'en devais penser. «Depuis que je connais ce marchand, disais-je en moi-même, il m'a toujours paru très-poli: serait-il possible qu'il en usât ainsi par mépris pour moi? Par quelle raison ne se sert-il pas de sa main droite?»
Le jour, qui éclairait l'appartement du sultan des Indes, ne permit pas à Scheherazade de continuer cette histoire; mais elle en reprit la suite le lendemain, et dit à Schahriar:
Story DNA
Plot Summary
A merchant offers to repay a young traveling merchant, who cheerfully declines, stating he will return for the money only when he has spent all his current funds. A year later, the young merchant reappears, still wealthy but with a changed demeanor, and accepts an invitation to dine. During the meal, the host observes with great astonishment that the guest exclusively uses his left hand to eat, never his right, leaving the host deeply puzzled about this strange and potentially impolite behavior. The story ends abruptly with the dawn, leaving the mystery unresolved.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to intrigue
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is an excerpt from 'One Thousand and One Nights' (or 'Arabian Nights'), a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. The framing story of Scheherazade is central to its structure.
Plot Beats (8)
- The narrator encounters a young merchant to whom he owes money and offers to pay him.
- The young merchant, appearing cheerful and content, tells the narrator not to worry, stating he will return for the money only when he has spent all he has.
- The young merchant departs, and the narrator decides to invest the money, expecting a long wait.
- A year passes before the young merchant reappears, still richly dressed but seeming preoccupied.
- The narrator invites the young merchant to his home for a meal, which the young merchant accepts on condition of no extravagant expenses.
- During the meal, the narrator observes that the young merchant uses only his left hand to eat, never his right.
- The narrator is greatly astonished and internally questions the young merchant's behavior, wondering if it's a slight or something else entirely.
- Scheherazade's narration is interrupted by the dawn, leaving the mystery of the young merchant's right hand unresolved.
Characters
The Narrator (Old Merchant)
A man of middle to older age, likely with a build that suggests a life of commerce and perhaps some sedentary habits, but still capable of managing a business. His features would reflect the wear of time and the shrewdness of a merchant.
Attire: Practical, well-maintained robes of a respectable merchant from the Middle East, likely made of fine linen or cotton in muted colors like deep blue, brown, or cream, possibly with simple embroidery. A turban or cap would cover his head.
Wants: To manage his business successfully, maintain good relationships with clients, and perhaps increase his wealth. He also seems driven by curiosity and a desire to understand others.
Flaw: His curiosity can sometimes lead him to overthink or make assumptions, as seen when he wonders about the young merchant's hand usage.
In this excerpt, he primarily acts as an observer, but his arc seems to be one of increasing curiosity and perhaps a challenge to his understanding of social norms.
Shrewd, patient, observant, hospitable, and somewhat analytical. He is quick to seize an opportunity (to invest the money) but also genuinely concerned about his guest's well-being.
The Young Merchant
A young man, likely of average height and a lean, active build, befitting someone who travels for trade. His appearance suggests prosperity and a carefree spirit, at least initially.
Attire: Richly vested, indicating wealth. This would likely be a finely woven silk or brocade caftan or tunic in vibrant colors like emerald green or sapphire blue, possibly with gold thread embroidery. He would wear a matching or contrasting turban, perhaps adorned with a jewel. Fine leather boots.
Wants: Initially, to enjoy his wealth and travels without immediate financial concerns. Later, his motivations become more mysterious, possibly driven by an unspoken burden or experience.
Flaw: His initial impulsiveness and perhaps a hidden burden that affects his demeanor and actions.
He transforms from a carefree, wealthy youth to a more thoughtful, perhaps troubled, individual, hinting at an unseen experience that has changed him.
Initially carefree, trusting, and perhaps a bit impulsive (leaving money for so long). Later, he appears more thoughtful or troubled, yet still polite and appreciative of hospitality.
Scheherazade
A woman of captivating beauty and intelligence, likely slender and graceful, as befits a storyteller who must hold the attention of a powerful ruler night after night.
Attire: Exquisite, flowing robes of fine silk or satin in rich, jewel-toned colors like sapphire, ruby, or emerald, often embroidered with gold or silver thread. She would wear delicate jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, appropriate for a queen or royal consort.
Wants: To survive each night by enthralling the Sultan with her stories and, ultimately, to end his tyrannical practice of executing his wives.
Flaw: Her life is constantly at risk, depending entirely on her ability to captivate the Sultan.
Her arc is the overarching frame story of the Arabian Nights, where she transforms the Sultan from a vengeful tyrant into a just and compassionate ruler through her tales.
Intelligent, resourceful, courageous, captivating, and strategic. She uses her storytelling prowess to survive and ultimately to change the Sultan's heart.
Schahriar
A powerful and imposing figure, likely with a strong, regal build, reflecting his status as a Sultan. His features would convey authority, but also a hidden weariness or cruelty from his past actions.
Attire: Luxurious royal attire befitting a Sultan of the Indies. This would include flowing robes of rich brocade or velvet in deep reds, purples, or golds, heavily embroidered with gold thread and precious stones. A large, jeweled turban would crown his head, and he would wear ornate jewelry.
Wants: Initially, to prevent future betrayal by executing each new wife. Later, his motivation shifts to being entertained and ultimately, to finding wisdom and healing through Scheherazade's tales.
Flaw: His deep-seated mistrust and cynicism, born from past trauma, which led to his tyrannical behavior.
His arc is the central transformation of the frame story, moving from a cruel tyrant to a just and compassionate ruler, healed by Scheherazade's storytelling.
Initially cruel, vengeful, and cynical due to betrayal. He is also intelligent enough to be captivated by Scheherazade's stories and capable of change, showing a hidden capacity for wonder and justice.
Locations
The Narrator's House Entrance
The outdoor space immediately in front of the narrator's home, likely a simple, unadorned area where one would dismount an animal before entering.
Mood: Initially bustling and transactional, later more welcoming and expectant.
The initial encounter and the merchant's departure, and his return a year later.
The Narrator's Interior Apartment
The main living or reception area within the narrator's home, where guests would be entertained and meals served. It is comfortable enough for a guest to be invited for a meal.
Mood: Initially polite and hospitable, becoming subtly tense and curious due to the merchant's unusual behavior.
The narrator hosts the merchant for a meal and observes his peculiar habit of eating only with his left hand.