What is the conflict of the story Alibaba and the Forty Thieves?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Conflict in “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves”:
The central conflict of the story is man versus man, specifically Ali Baba versus the forty thieves, as he struggles to keep the secret of their treasure and protect himself and his family from their vengeance.
300-Word Explanation:
In the tale “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” the conflict arises when Ali Baba, a poor woodcutter, accidentally discovers the secret den of a band of thieves hidden in the mountains. He overhears the magical phrase “Open Sesame” and finds the cave full of stolen treasures. Out of desperation and curiosity, he takes a small amount of gold to help his family, intending no harm. However, once he starts taking more and the secret is unintentionally revealed to others, the real danger begins.
The forty thieves, led by a cunning chief, discover that someone has been stealing from their hidden cache. They are determined to find and eliminate the intruder to protect their secret. This leads to a life-threatening situation for Ali Baba and his household. The conflict intensifies when Ali Baba’s brother, Cassim, tries to claim the treasure for himself but is caught and killed by the thieves. This event sets off a chain reaction of escalating tension.
The thieves eventually trace the secret back to Ali Baba and plan to kill him. However, with the help of a clever and loyal servant girl named Morgiana, Ali Baba is able to outsmart the thieves. Morgiana thwarts multiple assassination attempts and ultimately kills the leader of the thieves, resolving the conflict.
The story’s conflict highlights themes of greed, justice, cleverness, and loyalty. It pits the cunning and greed of the thieves against the morality and cleverness of Ali Baba and Morgiana. Although the story contains elements of fantasy, such as the magical cave, the central struggle is very human: the challenge of surviving and protecting one’s family from those who use violence and intimidation for power. In the end, good triumphs over evil through intelligence and courage.