Short Stories Issues - Essay Example

Analysis of Short Stories Introduction The filed of literature can be considered to contain important tools to be able to understand human history and civilization. This can be attributed to the fact that literary works and pieces contain lessons and messages that pertain to the different aspects of human existence. In the study undertaken, the main objective is to be able to analyze the messages of the two short stories that had been read entitled “The Ants and the Qat” and the “Pilot.” The said short stories can be considered as representatives of different culture based on the fact that the stories originated in two different countries with very distinct culture and tradition. Upon reading the stories, the different views of the author can be analyzed and the different lessons in the historical, cultural and social aspects can be recognized. In addition, the evident use of the different figures of speech such as metaphors, similes, and analogies is an effective way of expressing the socio-political commentaries and messages underlying the said stories. “The Ants and the Qat” by Haydar Haydar The short story “The Ants and the Qat” originated in Syria, a country of distinct and colorful culture and tradition. The said country is also known to practice the consumption, specifically the chewing of qat as exemplified in the story (Haydar 448). Based on the expression of the said practice, it can be noted that the setting of the story is in the countries either surrounding the Red Sea or in the eastern coast of Africa. In these countries, qat is consumed as stimulant due to its psychological and physical effects (Cox & Rampes 456). Upon the study of the story, one of the main observations is the effect of qat to the main character Mahmud ibn Abdullah al-Zubayri. Although, the ants had bitten him, the qat had kept him in his fairytale dream of being a hero and having good fortune. The said observation can be considered to express lessons in life that people needed to understand. One of the observations made by the author that is meant to teach a lesson is that most of the people in the world are trying to escape the realities of life by drowning themselves in worldly pleasures of different kinds. In the dream world, these people can be the heroes succeeding in important deeds but in reality they can be compared to the main character that is idle and wanting to spend his life under the shade. There are different lessons in the said observation, that is, one needs to work in order to achieve goals in real life. If one is idle and daydreams most of the time, then this person needs the effect of some stimulant such as qat to be able to accept his own reality. Another important symbolism that can be observed in the story is the ant. Basically, the main role of the ant is to serve as a reminder of the realities of life. The ant can symbolize the trials that are needed to be faced by the person. If a person is ready to face the pain and sting of the ant and continue with the life struggles, the effects of such trials can only be as small as that of the sting brought about by the ant. The lesson of working hard and diligence can also be the main message of the story. Being idle can bring about different effects. One is being bitten by the ants of life meaning trials and hindrances. Another is failing to succeed in real life because of dreaming. These are some of the lessons that can be learned from the analysis of the story. The ants and the qat can be considered as the different directions in life that can be chosen by a person. It can either be the reality of the ants bite to keep a person focused or the pleasure of the effects brought about by qat that is unreal and degrading. “The Pilot” by Mohamed Makhzangi “The Pilot” is another short story that had been studied. It originated in Egypt thus the cultural parameters of the said country can be observed in certain points indicated. The story had been presented about a very ordinary phenomenon that is the flight of the ducks and the hunt undertaken by the hunter. There are different facets in the analysis of the story. One of the main points that can be observed is the flight of the ducks in a triangular formation. Based on the study undertaken regarding the said behavior, it is performed by different types of migratory birds due to the different advantages that it can bring about is flight. One is the decrease in the energy requirement to cover a longer distance. Another is the ease in communication between the birds while in flight (Weimerskirch, Martin, Clerquin, Alexandre and Jiraskova 697). The said advantages can be compared to the adaptation and methods that are undertaken by the human beings to be able to survive through life. Every person has a unique way in solving problems and surviving. These methods can be considered perfected through the course of time. As for the behavior of the ducks, it is based on their instincts and capabilities to be able to survive the long flight during migration. The main focus of the story is the pilot. The pilot is the leader that can be observed in front of the triangular formation. The role of the said bird can be considered as the most important because in the said formation, it has the highest energy requirement in flight. In addition, the pilot is the navigational leader who chooses the direction that is needed to be taken by the whole flock. The pilot is the leader of the group. Although certain species can rotate the said role, the said position can only be filled up the able individuals. The story is targeted to present the roles of the leaders in a group may it be in any form of organizations or even in politics. The hunter did not target the pilot to prevent chaos in the group that can hinder the hunting process. For that matter, it can be considered that the leader in the group is one of the most important factors that can maintain cohesion and cooperation in a group or organization. The hunter on the other hand can be comparable to the inevitable trials and tests that are needed to be resolved through the course of existence may it be in the individual or in the organizational level. Trials and problems can be considered as necessary evil elements that can make people stronger in their existence like the birds in flight. At one view, the said short story can have a political view. This can be attributed to the importance of a leader because the leader is the pilot and the main guiding force in an organization or in a nation. For that matter, the leader needs to have the strength and the intelligence of the pilot in flight. Conclusion Based on the study of the short stories entitled “The Ants and the Qat” and the “Pilot,” it can be considered that the authors wanted to convey important lessons and messages in life. This can be attributed to the fact that although the stories that had been discussed and presented is of simple issues and topics, the parameters and factors included are detailed and can prompt and make the readers analyze the story. In addition, aside from the lessons and messages conveyed through figurative language, the cultural, political and social indicators can give the readers clues on the foundations of the story. For that matter, stories can also give historical perspectives on the views of the author. When the interplay of these factors had been grasped by the reader, a different level of understanding can be achieved. Works Cited Cox, Glenice and Hagen Rampes. “Adverse effects of khat: a review.” Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2003) 9: 456-463. Haydar Haydar. “The Ants and the Qat.” Literatures of the Middle East. Barnstone, Tony and Willis Barnstone. eds. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2003. pp. 448-449. Mohamed Makhzangi. “The Pilot.” The Anchor Book of Modern Arabic Fiction. Denys Johnson-Davies. ed. NY: Anchor Books, 2006. pp. 299-301. Weimerskirch, Henri, Julien Martin, Yannick Clerquin, Peggy Alexandre and Sarka Jiraskova. “Energy saving in flight formation.” Nature (18 October 2001) 413: 697-698. Read More