Theme Of Obsession In The Lunchback's Tale

Obsessed: Looking at the Link between the Bedroom and Obsession in the 1001 Nights “Hunchback Tale” Obsession is a key element of the outer frame story of the 1001 Nights; it is most notably seen in the ritualistic telling of stories each night. Therefore, it is no surprise that obsession appears as a linking theme in one of the enframed stories. In particular, the “Hunchback Tale” has the Christian’s, Inspector’s, and Doctor’s stories all containing an obsession over one particular individual. This individual, in turn, is associated with the bedroom. The image of the bedroom itself is important as it represents the intimacy of these obsessions and connects them to the outer frame story. This connection between obsession and the bedroom allows …show more content…
The failure to act is seen in how the story starts. Though the merchant reflects, “love for her became fixed in my heart,” making the handmaid the target of obsession; it is the handmaid who “asked whether she would marry her to [the merchant]” allowing action to be taken (191, 193). The fact that it is her idea, her actions, and her quick thinking that allow them to pursue this obsession in the first place means that the merchant fails to take any responsibility for the action (193-195). On the other hand, when it is time for the merchant to respond by engaging in the dinner and impressing the queen he does not alter his behavior accordingly. He “didn’t wait” and continues to eat as well as making light of incorrect manners, “simply because I…didn’t then wash my hands,” showing that he has not adapted his response (196). This is different from the active obsession where the hero deliberately changes his behavior, bring money each time, in order to respond correctly. Consequently, when the Inspector’s merchant goes to the bedroom, the handmaid cites “you eat…without washing your hands”, his inappropriate response, as a major concern (196). It is enough of a concern that he is not only mutilated but is forced to alter his behavior as seen by his promise, “I swore that oath …show more content…
Going a step further, they offer a solution to each dynamic of the obsession cycle. It is through these two facts that one can see the power of the enframed narrative. The story not only serves as a story in itself but also as an explanation and conflict in the outer frame narrative. Likewise, the outer frame narrative gives new focus and light to the enframed narrative. Together, they work to enrich the stories of the 1001 Nights by offering up unique relationships between Shahrazad, Shahriyar, and other