ST.

ANTHONY’S COLLEGE
San Jose, Antique

Name: Klarence Martin D Putong Program and Year Level -BSHM 3

Term and AY: 2nd 2023-2024 GEC-114 Literatures of the World (Worksheet 11)

Appreciating Asian Literatures

(Arabian, Persian and Palestinian)
WORKSHEET

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Home Reading Activity

A Thousand and One Nights
(The Second Voyage of Sinbad the Sailor)
From the Arabian Nights

Directions: Read one of the stories of the Arabian Nights on the reference below. Answer the questions that
follow.
Read it here: Sialongo, E.B. (2007). Literatures of the World. Manila: REX Bookstore, Inc. pp. 89-94.

Deepen

Reflection
Directions: After reading and understanding the story, answers the following questions comprehensibly.

1. Which part of the story appeal to young and old alike?

One of the most beloved stories from "The Arabian Nights" (also known as "One Thousand and
One Nights") is "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp." This tale has elements that attract both young
and old audiences, making it a timeless favorite. Here’s why:
Appeal to Young Audiences:
I. Magical Elements: The magical lamp and the powerful genie who grants wishes spark
children's imaginations. The concept of having one's wishes come true is especially
enchanting for young minds.

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 II. Adventure and Excitement: Aladdin’s journey from a poor boy to a wealthy prince is
full of exciting twists and turns, including battles with an evil sorcerer and daring
adventures that keep kids engaged.
III. Vivid Characters: Characters like the mischievous Aladdin, the wise genie, and the
beautiful Princess Jasmine are memorable and relatable for young readers.
Appeal to Older Audiences:
I. Themes of Perseverance and Transformation: Aladdin's rise from street urchin to
prince highlight’s themes of personal growth, resourcefulness, and the transformative
power of love and courage, which resonate with older readers.
II. Moral Lessons: The story imparts lessons about humility, the dangers of greed, and the
value of integrity and kindness, offering depth and provoking thought for adults.
III. Cultural and Historical Richness: The fantastical Middle Eastern setting, with its rich
cultural elements, exotic locations, and historical references, adds intrigue and depth that
appeal to adults interested in cultural stories and history.
Timeless Elements:
I. Romantic Plot: The love story between Aladdin and Princess Jasmine appeals to all
ages, emphasizing themes of true love and destiny.
II. Good vs. Evil: The classic struggle between good and evil, embodied by Aladdin and the
evil sorcerer, is a universal theme that resonates with everyone.
III. Universal Wish Fulfillment Fantasy: The idea of having wishes granted is a universally
appealing fantasy, stirring the imagination and dreams of people of all ages.

2. What conclusions might you draw about the religious beliefs of the storytellers who
shaped the tale?

"The Tale of Sinbad the Sailor"

Summary:
Sinbad, a legendary sailor from Baghdad, undertakes seven extraordinary voyages,
encountering supernatural creatures, mystical islands, and divine interventions. His
adventures often lead him to both great fortunes and perilous situations, highlighting
themes of fate, divine providence, and justice.

Religious Beliefs Reflected

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 1. Monotheism and Divine Providence:
- Sinbad frequently invokes Allah (God) during his voyages, attributing his survival and
successes to divine intervention. In moments of crisis, his prayers and appeals to Allah
reflect a strong belief in monotheism and God's omnipresence.
- His escape from various dangers, such as shipwrecks and monstrous creatures, is often
credited to Allah's mercy, showcasing a belief in divine providence and fate.

2. Moral and Ethical Conduct:

- The stories emphasize the importance of virtues like honesty, generosity, and
gratitude. Sinbad's character development through his journeys mirrors the moral and
ethical teachings of Islam.
- He learns humility and the fleeting nature of wealth and power, reinforcing the
Islamic principle that true success lies in piety and good conduct rather than material
riches.

3. Justice and Retribution:

- The tales often depict divine justice, where good deeds are rewarded, and
wrongdoings are punished. Sinbad's adversaries typically meet their downfall due to their
evil actions, while Sinbad is saved due to his faith and righteousness.
- This reflects the Islamic belief in divine justice and a moral order governed by Allah,
where every action has consequences in this life or the hereafter.

4. Supernatural Elements:
- The inclusion of jinn (supernatural beings) and other mythical creatures aligns with
Islamic cosmology, which includes belief in beings created by Allah that coexist with
humans.
- These elements emphasize the mysterious and vast nature of Allah's creation,
highlighting human limitations and the need for divine guidance.

Conclusion

The storytellers who crafted "The Tale of Sinbad the Sailor" wove their Islamic beliefs
into the narrative's structure and themes. Their religious worldview is evident in the
frequent mentions of Allah, the emphasis on moral virtues, the depiction of divine justice,

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 and the presence of supernatural elements. These aspects reflect a belief in an
omnipotent, just, and merciful God who governs the universe, intervenes in human
affairs, rewards faith and virtue, and punishes evil. The tales not only entertain but also
impart moral and religious lessons aligned with Islamic teachings.

Firm Up

Home Reading Activity

The Diameter Of The Bomb

By: Yehuda Amichai
The diameter of the bomb was thirty centimeters
and the diameter of its effective range about seven meters,
with four dead and eleven wounded.
And around these, in a larger circle
of pain and time, two hospitals are scattered
and one graveyard. But the young woman
who was buried in the city she came from,
at a distance of more than a hundred kilometers,
enlarges the circle considerably,
and the solitary man mourning her death
at the distant shores of a country far across the sea
includes the entire world in the circle.
And I won’t even mention the crying of orphans
that reaches up to the throne of God and
beyond, making a circle with no end and no God.

Deepen

Comprehension Questions
Directions: On the space provided below, answer the following questions comprehensibly.
1. What Specific facts about the bombing does the speaker present in lines 1-3?
In lines 1-3 of "The Diameter Of The Bomb" by Yehuda Amichai, the speaker presents the following
specific facts about the bombing:

I. The diameter of the bomb itself is thirty centimeters.

II. The effective range of the bomb's impact is about seven meters.
III. The bombing resulted in four deaths and eleven wounded individuals.

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 2. How does the circle grow in lines 5-12?

I. Pain and Time: The initial impact of the bomb (four dead and eleven wounded) extends to a
larger circle that includes the subsequent pain and the passage of time. This larger circle
encompasses the immediate aftermath involving two hospitals and a graveyard, indicating the
physical and emotional aftermath of the bombing.
II. Distance and Personal Impact: The circle further expands to include the young woman who was
buried in her hometown more than a hundred kilometers away. Her death affects people far
beyond the immediate vicinity of the bombing.
III. Global Reach: The solitary man mourning the young woman from a distant country across the
sea symbolizes the far-reaching emotional impact of the bombing. His grief extends the circle to
encompass the entire world.
IV. Eternal and Divine: The crying of orphans, which reaches "up to the throne of God and beyond,"
signifies the infinite and unending nature of the suffering caused by the bombing, suggesting a
circle with no end, transcending human understanding and touching upon the divine.

Transfer

Directions: On the space provided below, write a news account of the explosion. Fill the gaps in information by
using your imagination, then provide your readers with the narrative of the events that includes the reactions
and testimonies of the bystanders you’ve interviewed.
I. The diameter of the bomb itself is thirty centimeters.
II. The effective range of the bomb's impact is about seven meters.
III. The bombing resulted in four deaths and eleven wounded individuals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Pain and Time: The initial impact of the bomb (four dead and eleven wounded) extends to a larger circle
that includes the subsequent pain and the passage of time. This larger circle encompasses the immediate
aftermath involving two hospitals and a graveyard, indicating the physical and emotional aftermath of the
bombing.
II. Distance and Personal Impact: The circle further expands to include the young woman who was buried
in her hometown more than a hundred kilometers away. Her death affects people far beyond the immediate
vicinity of the bombing.
III. Global Reach: The solitary man mourning the young woman from a distant country across the sea
symbolizes the far-reaching emotional impact of the bombing. His grief extends the circle to encompass the
entire world.
IV. Eternal and Divine: The crying of orphans, which reaches "up to the throne of God and beyond,"
signifies the infinite and unending nature of the suffering caused by the bombing, suggesting a circle with no
end, transcending human understanding and touching upon the divine.

Firm up
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 From the Rubaiyat
By Omar Khayyam

Directions: Read the poem on the reference below. Reread and understand the poem
Read it here: Sialongo, E.B. (2007). Literatures of the World. Manila: REX Bookstore, Inc. pp. 122-125.

Omar Khayyam, a Persian polymath renowned for his contributions in mathematics, astronomy, and poetry, is
best remembered for his Rubaiyat, a collection of quatrains that have fascinated readers for centuries,
transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries. These quatrains explore various themes, from the fleeting
nature of life and the relentless passage of time to the pursuit of earthly pleasures and the mysteries of existence.

Khayyam's poetic works are marked by deep contemplation and philosophical inquiry, challenging traditional
beliefs and delving into the complexities of human existence. His verses are distinguished by their vivid
imagery, melodious rhythm, and timeless wisdom, making them a source of inspiration for readers across
different cultures and eras.

Through his poetry, Khayyam invites readers to embark on a journey of introspection and enlightenment,
encouraging them to contemplate life's intricacies and mysteries. His words serve as a guiding light,
illuminating the human spirit with their profound insights and enduring beauty.

If you have any questions about Omar Khayyam, his poetic works, or any other aspect of world literature,
please feel free to ask. I am here to provide further clarification and discussion.

Transfer

Directions: Record yourself a 1.5 minutes’ performance of the poem. Be creative of your recording. Save your
output in .mp3 format with your name. Upload it together with this file to submit.

IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!
1. Upon accomplishment of all the activities. Submit your output in a PDF format. Please follow this template
for the file name of your output: initialsSURNAME.COURSE#.W# (ex. jpVASQUEZ.GEC114.W1)
2. Please use this document for your answers. Do not create a different document.

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