Ali Baba is a great example of a story in which the tension and excitement races throughout the story. At each step of the way, with each encounter of the thieves I found myself wishing to race ahead and make sure our hero was going to come through the attacks intact, and at the same time, wanting to savor each and every moment of the story. Until I read the story, the only encounter I had with the story was, I am embarrassed to say, the Bugs Bunny version. This cartoon which was released in 1951 was called Ali Baba Bunny. I watched it when I was young, and shared it with Dallas (my daughter) when she was at the height of her cartoon loving phase. Now, I intend to share this version of the story. There is, of course, something more going on here. Why do people keep making and remaking this story? Simple, because it's such a great story that we don't want it to end. We keep adding to the adventure and telling the more of the story. I will not argue that the Bugs Bunny version would quite fit with the book version, or that everyone would like it, but this changing and continuing of the tradition keeps us curious about the story and allows our imaginations to continue the tale.
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There is one part of Ali Baba's story I find interesting simply because it goes against the tradition of most stories. Usually, from the stories I have known, trouble begins when someone does not offer the hospitality of their home. Here we see Ali Baba inviting in assassins, this would almost seem to have a bit of a cautionary aspect warning us to be wary of who to take in. Yet, this does not quite fit either. If he would not have brought them into his home, they would be running about the forest and possibly lying in wait to catch him while he was cutting wood or wandering the village ready to snatch him up if the opportunity arose. Knowing a bit about the importance of hospitality rules in the Middle East, I would have to rethink my assessment and say Ali Baba was rewarded for allowing them in; because he did not break the traditions, he was saved. Not only that, but it is important that even if the hero makes mistakes, he is morally correct in his actions. Somehow, stealing from a thief is not so bad, but to allow someone to stand outside the gate is not. So, Ali can continue on as our hero of this story.
Hospitality is of great importance in "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" as well. Family must be allowed to visit even if they are complete strangers. Even though the mother seems to suspect that this "uncle" who shows up unexpectedly is not her late husband's brother, she allows them in to their modest home and shares what little she has. There is a reward in that everything turns out well by the end of the story. Even though this stranger causes great hardship, the hospitality does not seem to be something that is regretted.
In the religious tradition, when people are turned away, it is a huge mistake. Think of what happens to the people in Sodom. The rules were so important that the man offered his own daughters to the mob of rapists instead of allowing the strangers to come to harm. The next thing you know, fire is raining from the heavens and the only ones to survive were those who observed the tradition. Let's not think about what comes next---moving on--there is the story of the birth of Jesus, and many others which repeatedly bring up the importance of how we need to treat each other. Okay, I'm meandering a bit away from the secular scripture, but remember, the traditions of the secular stories come from the religious traditions and beliefs of the region. I do not believe that hospitality is only important to Christians, but that it is held in high regard in the middle eastern region.
While we are discussing Aladdin, if anyone can tell me a story that Disney twisted beyond recognition more, I would love to hear it. I don't recall a magic carpet, a weird monkey or pretty much anything they portrayed. Where did they get all that? Okay, sure, there is no rabbit in Ali Baba, but at least they got part of it right. Disney's Aladdin shares little beyond the story title with the book. Worse yet, it does not make me curious about the original story nor does it have the sort of "Disney magic" they brag about. This is, in my opinion, not the way to treat a classic story. Having indulged in my soap box moment, I am ready to go sailing...
The story of Sinbad
I believe Sinbad and Melville's Ishmael would get along beautifully. Moby Dick is another story about a man who cannot resist the sea who finds himself in grave situations. It would not be difficult to imagine Sinbad saying, as Ishmael does, "...whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that is requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people's hats off-then, I account it high time to get to the sea as soon as I can" (Melville 17). Neither seem well suited for land yet are not blessed with luck at sea.
We keep recycling these stories and themes, because we love the adventure and escape. There are grand lessons in the stories, but today I am laying them aside and looking at a grander purpose. I dare you to try to make your grocery list or worry about the looming rent bill while reading Ali Baba. While reading Sinbad do you hear the sea? These stories take us away from the mundane and give us adventure we will not find any other way. These tales take us beyond where we dare to journey and bring us back home, safe and with a better sense of perspective and well being. Within these stories lie the grandeur of escape and freedom.
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