One Thousand And One Nights

Worksheet Description

This worksheet invites students to explore the use of cliffhangers in the classic collection of Middle Eastern folk tales, “One Thousand and One Nights.” It starts by asking students to define a cliffhanger, establishing the foundational concept of the exercise. The worksheet then prompts students to identify and discuss the central story of “One Thousand and One Nights,” which revolves around Scheherazade, the clever storyteller who avoids execution by leaving her tales unfinished each night, thus compelling the king to keep her alive to hear the conclusions.

The exercise continues by questioning why Scheherazade employs cliffhangers in her storytelling. This part encourages students to think about the strategic use of suspense and the human psychological need to resolve unfinished stories. Additionally, students are tasked with providing an example of a cliffhanger from the tales, allowing them to apply their understanding of the concept to specific instances in literature. This worksheet not only helps students grasp literary devices but also connects them to historical and cultural narratives, enhancing their appreciation of storytelling techniques across cultures and eras.