Reading Notes: Tales of a Parrot, Reading A

 (Parrot: Wiki Commons)

Notes. As I read, I realized that the tales of the parrot were the focus of this whole story. I would have preferred to see more interaction between the parrot and his master, Miemun, but it has not shown up in the first reading because the master is currently away on a trip. I admire the knowledge of this parrot. The parrot is clever and kind. He keeps Khojisteh, the master's wife, company by telling her stories.

However, it is very unfortunate that the sharuk, the parrot's companion, is killed by Khojisteh. The sharuk gave great advice, but she wanted to commit adultery while her husband was not present. It was a great regret. Although the parrot's partner is dead, the parrot is a smart thinker. His storytelling deters Khojisteh from running away to be with the prince who wishes to be with her.

Yet, it is so weird. Khojisteh goes to the parrot every night to express her feelings on meeting the prince. The parrot gives her advice and makes references, and she always wants to listen to the stories about the references. In the end, after the story of the night, Khojisteh has to postpone her meeting. If Khojisteh did not visit the parrot before leaving, then she would have met the prince long ago. However, it would defeat the purpose of the title's name, The Tales of a Parrot. 

Of the stories told, I liked the story: The Merchant, and His Wife, Who Outwitted Him. The wife was very smart, and practically put the blame on the husband, which overshadowed her own faults. That part, I do not like. I may do a sequel where her actions are revealed to the husband and the city. Even though the husband knows, he will still love her and keep her as his wife because he is guilty of doing similar things.

Additionally, I liked the story where the moral is to listen to the advice of friends or you will suffer like the unhappy man. It is from Four Rich Persons Who Became Poor. I may do a story between two friends about the moral.

Bibliography. Tales of a Parrot by Ziya'al-Din Nakhshab; link to reading online.