Damascus Nights By Rafik Schami Analysis

Storytelling has been an important part of our culture for centuries. It is the telling of stories told before or even historical events. Each time it’s changed to add detail or make it interesting. In Damascus Nights, Rafik Schami, the author, emphasizes the importance of storytelling to the Damascene culture by having Salim’s seven friends tell seven different stories. It is explained on more than several accounts that words matter a lot. The words tell a story but not only are the stories important but the formation of the words within the story. “Words are invisible jewels, the only people who can see them are the ones who have lost them.” (Schami 143). Tuma, the emigrant, talks about the words as though words are the most precious things a human can have. Those who have them, most of the times, all they know how to do is talk about themselves. Some are gracious enough to use their words to make others happier. Words are meant to be heard, not only heard but listened to. “And his words words were so clever and so sweet, he could have moved a hippopotamus to sprout wings and fly.” (Schami 189). Words were not just precious to them. It could have inspired people to do the impossible or what is perceived to be the

Words made the stories so interesting that it bothered many of the listeners. “Whether you know it or not, keep it to yourself. I don’t like it when someone kills a story right in the middle” (Schami 219). The stories had people so deeply encaptured that whether or not they had heard it, they were ready to hear it again told by a different person and from a different perspective. “There are other stories about listeners who were so curious or in such a state of suspense, they couldn’t sleep.” (Schami 103). The stories had so much power and control over them that they couldn’t focus. It kept people on the edge of seats, not just the words but the