Blog Entry 13

Final Blog Post

            Throughout the spring semester in Folk and Fairy Tale class I have written 12 blogs, this being my 13^th and final blog post. Looking back through the blogs, really reminded me how much material was covered this semester and how much I learned. Coming into this class I really knew nothing regarding folks and fairy tales. I was familiar with most Disney films, but had no idea where these stories originated, the different variations, and the cultural affects.

            Each week we focused on a different story, or culture. We listened to many talented guest speakers, had many group discussions, worked through group activities, completed a term paper, and compiled a blog; with a new post every week.

            My favorite blog posts that I completed were blog post 5, and blog post 6. Blog post 5 was called, “Sonne music clip reflection.” I really enjoyed being able to analyze this music video, from my own viewpoint. I thought it was very interesting and fun to try and make sense of the mysterious symbols, and details. At first, I found this music video to be creepy, and odd; but the more I watched and found details that related to my interpretation I realized how genius it truly was.

            I also really loved my blog post 6. Blog post 6 was called, “Rags to Riches.” This blog discussed the similarities and differences between Disney’s, “Cinderella,” and the iconic film, “Pretty Women.” This blog was so fun to me because it reminded me of my mom. My mom and I used to watch “Pretty Women” together all the time; it is her favorite movie. Again, I really enjoy analyzing films, and looking for symbols and unique variations between these two Cinderella stories.

            Overall, I have learned so much throughout this semester. It was challenging at times, I had to reread stories often to truly comprehend what was being said, and sometimes struggled to follow all class discussions. It was also very time consuming material. Reading takes me a while, and being assigned many readings was challenging for me to finish in time. I tried my best to read all material, and fully comprehend it before class, but sometimes the connection was not made.

            I really enjoyed learning about folks and fairy tales, and respect these stories so much more now. I now know how important it is to read to children, and let their imaginations understand stories in their own way. I hope to continue learning about folk and fairy tales, and use the knowledge I have learned in everyday life.

Photo Source: Google Images

Blog Entry 12

Arabic Folk and Fairy Tales

            Professor Zaru spoke to my class and me about Arabic culture, traditions, and the connection to folk and fairy tales. It was a captivating presentation, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her speak. She spoke about the connection to the language, early ancient folk tales, characteristics of Arabic folk tales, and some specific stories.

            Arabic is an ancient language that is still alive, and vibrant. It begin as an oral language, and started in the Arabian Peninsula. Storytelling emerged to the illiterate masses by oral language. The stories soon added music, dance, and people eventually even got paid to tell stories to the people. Storytellers were mostly men, due to the conservative culture. Also due to this type of culture, the stories had no sexual meaning at all.

            There are many characteristics to Arabic folk and fairy tales. Some of these characteristics are similar to the fairy tales that we have studied this semester, but some are unique to the Arabic culture. These characteristics include, entertainment, frame story, typically starting with “Kan ya ma,” which is like “Once upon a time.” Also stories include, longer introductions called “farsheh,” stories may have a moral (not always), varies in style, characters range from ghouls, princes, princesses, animals that speak, etc., and may include tribal/national heroes. Lastly, many stories have the reoccurring theme of the struggle of the underdog.

            Professor Zaru spoke about multiple different stories. These stories included, “Kalila wa Dimma.” This story is an animal fable with two jackals who offer advice. This is a very beautiful and respected story. This story has been passed on, and changed a bit by adding new details, or taking different parts away. The next story Professor Zaru talked about was, “Joha.” “Joha” is a made up character in the Arab world, and beyond. This story has also been translated for different cultures, but varies in exact details. These stories are usually short, humorous, and are considered jokes. He was known as a peasant orphan child. Professor Zaru told the class one example of “Joha” dealing with his donkey.

            Professor Zaru continued to discuss multiple stories including, “Sirat,” “Ben Hilal,” and of course, “Arabian Nights.” All of these stories beautifully contributed to the Arabian culture, traditions, and way of life. Professor Zaru was eager, and excited to share information regarding these stories, and her culture. She was very insightful, and helped me understand Arabic Folk and Fairy Tales very much.

Photo source: Google Images