Hierarchy and Honor in The Arabian Nights Anonymous College

Social hierarchy is a civilization's categorization of people into ranks of political power and social influence based upon factors such as one’s occupation, wealth, and social prestige (Oxford). The Arabian Nights: One Thousand and One Nights is famous for its series of tales primarily narrated by Scheherazade, whose insufferable husband, King Shahryar wedded and executed women each night in hopes of obtaining the honor he once lost when his primary wife had cheated on him. The Arabian Night’s plot of King Shahryar’s pursuit of honor is so meaningful because of the notation throughout history which states that social hierarchy is established by one’s social prestige; therefore by the king’s actions in obtaining his identity and honor back by executing women, he would naturally obtain a more significant hierarchy within his society.

Honor is essential for the characters in these series of tales because it is the single most priceless recognition of achievement of their morals, and prestige. Since hierarchy was an essential cultural aspect in history, and honor was needed in order to achieve hierarchy, the only normal and natural way for the characters of this story to achieve social hierarchy is through honor; which enables...