Essay Questions

What is the significance of cutting off a breast in the novel? Support your answer.

The act of cutting off a breast is a symbolic act of extreme devotion--nearly fanatical love--displayed by the Vizier’s daughter, the Shah’s favorite lover. Not only was the it an act of devotion, but it was also an extreme act of surrender because in displaying her willingness to mutilate her own flesh to show devotion she was also effectively saying that her body and the discomfort that she experiences is immaterial when it comes to showing her love for Shah Zaman.

What is the significance of art in the novel? Support your answer.

Art is symbolic and metaphorical of a person’s journey of development, mirroring in many instances the growth and progression of a person’s character. Art in the novel however is of particular importance as art, regardless of form, whether intangible art such as verbal traditions of storytelling or painting, is instrumental in helping a person learn about life. This motif of art a central to a person education and progress appears on many instances in the novel and in Scheherazade’s particular situation, not only did art prove to be an uplifting experience but a life saving one as well.

What is the significance of the title?

Like the Chimera of lore the stories featured in the novel is also a fusion of elements from ancient mythology and more modern literary sensibilities. The fusion of modern concepts, such as highly educated women--in some instances more educated than men--taking up positions of prominence in a primarily Middle-Eastern/Islamic scenarios, exist along side decidedly archaic literary components like Greek deities and magical items like lamps and flying carpets.