While reading this chapter, I definitely felt that it gave a basis for what the text will develop into in the upcoming chapters. Since we have already read some of the passages from later on in the text prior to this beginning part, things definitely make much more sense now in regards to Shahrazad’s plan involving the King. Because of this chapter setting up what the novel will be about, I guess it makes me somewhat more interested in reading the novel further. To me, the little fables, although odd and disturbing at times, are the most engaging part of the text; however, I am having a difficult time enjoying what I am reading. Personally, I feel that both men and women are being portrayed in a very insulting and unjust manner. For example, not all women are unfaithful and go sleeping around, while not all men are power-hungry authoritarians; there are men who cheat and women who are controlling, proving that qualities given to those in the novel should not be gender specific but just traits of some people in general.
