Reading Notes: The Voyages of Sinbad Part B

Reading Notes

The Voyages of Sinbad Part B

During the second half of this reading assignment, I was getting past more of the sentence structure and staying focused on the story flow. Something interesting about these voyages that Sinbad is embarking on is that it is very repetitive over time. The stories each start off on the same foot or with the same reasoning while ending with the same result and feeling. It's a nice story for short reads over time. Think of the book series' that you would read as a child about a hero. Something that is positive about this tales is that you do get excited and happy when the protagonist makes it out of a sticky situation in a rather crazy way. How he managed to get through the Old Man, the Elephants, even the Roc parents is phenomenal. You never forget that he is a child of luck just by how unbelievable it is that he ends up always being the lone survivor. This is without fail every single time. I probably would have loved it more if I had read each voyage individually rather than just straight through like a novel. Aside from those remarks, Sinbad really does give off the storyteller vibe throughout each tale. He'll make side comments that remind you that this had already happened and he's recounting it for you. When his side comments and remarks do pop up every few lines, it's always a seamless insertion and you don't have a break-up in imagery. I really appreciate a writing style like that! I keep the flow going beautifully but never takes you away from the main idea or plot. It makes sense as to why it would be predictable that no matter the tragedy of the situation, Sinbad would have to have survived in order for him to be telling these stories to the other Sinbad. Oh if you haven't read this story, Sinbad the Sailor is telling his ventures to another man named Sinbad. It's actually hilarious.



Image: The Tales of Sinbad (Web Source)
Bibliography: The Arabian Nights' Entertainment by Andrew Lang (Un-Textbook)