Question

1.The Sultan’s Dilemma is a comedy which raises serious questions. Let’s think about the comedy first. Point out a scene that you found amusing and discuss it. OR Point out an instance of the “things are not what they seem” theme in the play.

2.Point out one of the serious questions the play raises. Is the question (you selected) still relevant to contemporary society? Why or why not? Discuss.

Answer 1

• 1.Tawfiq al-Hakim utilized different types of comedy with varying techniques throughout his play The Sultans Dilemma to lighten the seriousness of the mood. However, al-Hakim’s comedic style is more of a witty “philosophical-esc” type humor. I believe that he used this device as effective means to communicate a moral dilemma of what is right.
• For instance, the opening of the play is met with comedic relief as the Executioner and Condemned Man banter about the impending death sentence as they toast to the Condemned Man’s health and Executioner’s masterful work of beheading.
• Comedy is also, interwoven into Act II, when the Shoemaker and Wine Merchant chitchat about how they might use the Sultan if they were to purchase him, followed by the Child who begs him Mother to buy the Sultan for him as if it the mighty leader is no more than a toy.
• These characters allowed for the playwright’s message to be conveyed in such a way that does not deduct from its substance, but rather simply removes the solemnity in the mood of the play.
• Due to time limit,remaining question can be asked as another question,it will be answered,thankyou for your cooperation