Arabic – Literature Storytelling Art in Arabic Literature – 3AS – Letters

The Art of Storytelling in Arabic Literature

Arabic literature has a rich tradition of storytelling from classical to modern forms.

Classical Narratives

One Thousand and One Nights Arabian Nights: frame story of Scheherazade. Maqamat of al-Hamadhani and al-Hariri: rhymed prose adventures.

Modern Novel

Developed in the 20th century. Pioneers: Naguib Mahfouz first Arab Nobel laureate. Trilogy. Tayeb Salih Season of Migration to the North.

Elements of Story

Plot characters setting conflict theme narrator point of view.

Exercises

1) What is the significance of One Thousand and One Nights? 2) Name two modern Arab novelists. 3) Elements of a story?

See Storytelling and Modern Novel.