Haroun and the Sea of Stories Study Questions

Study Questions

1. Comment on Khattam-Shud’s remark that inside a story lies a world that can’t be controlled. Why is that important?

His belief as the leader of the land is that the world is made for one to control, he believes in controlling the way people speak. Without a use for language, the people become silent and then they are controlled. The people lose their freedom of speech.

2. Is this a story for children? Why or why not?

I don't think children will fully understand the meaning behind the story. The child has to have a certain level of maturity and knows the freedom of speech to fully understand the story.

3. What do you think the author had in mind with Khattam-Shud and his Silence Laws? Do we have to know Rushdie’s personal history for the story to make sense, or does the story have a broader application?

To tell us that certain cultures have different laws and rules that they abide by. In some countries there isn't freedom of speech and loose talk can get you into trouble with the law. I don't think we need to know Rushdie's personal history for the story to make sense, this story has also told me to know the laws of other countries, be sensitive to other race and religion and although you can't take back what you have said, you can try to make amends.

In certain point of view, Rushdie might have been, in a way, talking about what was happening in his life at the time. Rushdie might have been trying to tell the world that stories have love and hate in them, but what's important is to help keep people happy and entertained, and criticizing them is pointless.

4. If you are familiar with the classic Arab collection of stories Arabian Nights, the names of Haroun and Rashid may sound familiar to you. Their last name is Khalifa. What do you think the author meant by creating such a connection?

The author might want to keep the readers interest on the Middle Eastern setting of this culture as he is trying to make amends for his...