Reading Notes: The Voyages of Sindbad, Part A

(Moby Dick  --  C. H. Simmonds Co)
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The first person narrative storytelling style is interesting to read. I haven't written one with this style yet, but it is similar to an idea I had about our class project. I may try this style if I use my fox stories from the fables. The beginning reminds me of Moby Dick's plot. His first voyage was quite lucky. After losing his ship and almost drowning, it seems improbable that he would have reclaimed his things. Also, for a story about a hero, Sinbad didn't have to do many heroic things. Maybe this was written this way to differ from usual heroic ballads.

Sindbad is a curious, unsatisfied man it seems. After his trials and tribulations with his first voyage, I wouldn't think he would have the audacity to travel to sea again. Especially with the wealth he gained earlier. The plan by merchants to retrieve diamonds in the valley was quite creative. I think its neat that the creatures on the island and in the valley are giant. It makes Sindbad have a tougher time with familiar animals. It would also be cool if there were foreign animals introduced from the island. Maybe a cross between the "rocs" and the snakes. The eagles coming to pick up the meat reminds me of Lord of the Rings when the eagles come to pick up Frodo and Sam. He is also a generous man (shared wealth with the poor).

The fact that he chooses to go on even more voyages after telling himself that he shouldn't have makes him seem somewhat ignorant. The story may be better if the voyages were combined somehow. The part with the giant is definitely similar to Odysseus' encounter with Polyphemus. This reading seems to include many illusions to other famous stories. I think it would be a fun way to be creative, trying to mix and match segments from more than just one story.

I would like to see Sindbad with a sidekick. Maybe the both of them could be brothers going on the voyages together? That may give more reason as to why he would go on so many voyages. Sindbad's situational awareness definitely saved him with the cannibals. Not so ignorant after all.

Bibliography: The Voyages of Sindbad, by Andrew Lang