The folktale "The Camel and the Jackal" is a popular story in the United Arab Emirates. This story is about a camel who had to leave his herd and wander alone in the desert. After a while, he met a jackal who wanted to trick the camel into becoming his dinner. The camel, however, was wise and managed to outsmart the jackal, proving that intelligence can often triumph over physical strength. This story serves to impart valuable lessons to its audience, including the importance of wit and critical thinking.
The author's purpose in telling this story is to entertain and educate the audience. The story is entertaining as it has elements of suspense and surprise, as well as a happy ending. At the same time, the story teaches valuable lessons about the importance of intelligence and wit. The point of view of the author is impartial, as the story serves to teach lessons to the audience rather than to promote any particular ideology.
The author uses words for effect by utilizing figurative language such as personification, simile, and metaphor. For instance, the author describes the camel as "wise" and the jackal as "cunning," which personifies these animals and helps the reader to understand their personalities. The author also uses similes to compare the strength of the camel to that of a mountain and to describe the cunning of the jackal. Such figurative language enhances the reader's understanding of the story and makes it more engaging.
The author's choice of words is also important in conveying the meaning of the story. For instance, the author uses words such as "desolate," "lonely," and "bewildered" to describe the camel's emotions when he was separated from his herd. These words help the reader to understand the camel's state of mind and empathize with him. The author also uses a formal tone throughout the story, which is appropriate for a folktale and helps to convey the seriousness of the lessons being taught.
The author's use of language is also effective in advancing their purpose. For instance, the author uses repetition to emphasize the importance of intelligence over physical strength. The camel repeats the phrase "I am strong, but you are wise" several times throughout the story, which serves to reinforce the message to the reader. The author also uses foreshadowing to create suspense and anticipation in the reader. For instance, the jackal's plans are hinted at throughout the story, which makes the reader wonder what will happen next.
In conclusion, "The Camel and the Jackal" is an engaging and educational folktale from the UAE. The author uses figurative language, word choice, and tone to convey the meaning and effectiveness of the story. The story's emphasis on intelligence and wit over physical strength is an important lesson that is applicable to everyday life. Through its entertaining and educational elements, "The Camel and the Jackal" serves as an excellent example of the importance of folktale storytelling in transmitting cultural values and traditions.