The Arabian Nights: One Thousand and One Nights Lesson Plan

In several stories, we see Sindbad's companions make poor decisions and die or go mad. What are some of the vices that lead to their downfall? How does Sindbad lack these vices or better succeed in controlling them?

One of the more spectacular examples of the short-sightedness of Sindbad's companions is when they fall upon a baby roc and butcher it. Interestingly, what separates Sindbad from his companions in this case is not his prior experience with rocs (although he has encountered them before), but his prudence and willingness to think before acting. Unlike in other voyages, Sindbad's companions are not trapped or starving; they have nothing to gain from...