As I mentioned in class, I want you to read "The Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor," on pages 89-98, for class on Friday (you can skip the Introduction if you like). If you don't yet have the book, click here for the complete text: http://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/texts/the_shipwrecked_sailor.htm
(note that this version is in prose, and doesn't read as well as our course text)
There are no questions to answer for Friday, but here are a few ideas you might consider as you read:
* The tale begins with a frame story, which means it has a story within a story. Why do you think it does this? What benefit do we get from knowing that the "Clever Follower" is telling this story to his "Count" (or Master)?
* How is this a very universal story despite being written thousands of years ago in a completely different culture? What do we relate to in this story?
* Why is there so much repetition in the story? What purpose does this serve to the reader/listener?
* Why does the serpent spare the shipwrecked sailor? Does he exhibit any traits or virtues that make him worthy of salvation?
* What riches does the sailor get to take back home? Why are these valuable in his culture? What do they say about Egyptian culture and its values?
* How does the Count respond to this tale at the end? Why is this significant?
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