Sohrab

The Tragedy of Sohrab and Rostam seems to be a bit of a compilation of characteristics from all of the stories we have read during this class, as well as, a little from at least one other story. Of the similarities to other stories read, the most pronounced are the theme of warriors or hunters, and the secret love and marriage of two of the characters. The likeness to another story stems from that of the "boy king".

The theme of a warrior or hunter is presented immediately in the opening of the tale. Very similar to every other hero that we have read about, Rostam is described as a virtually invincible character. Whether his character is so destined or appointed the life of a hunter is not specified right away, but Rostam, is depicted as such immediately in a style similar to that found in Gilgamesh and Dusyanta from Sakuntala and the Ring of Recollection.

The other similarity, shown at the start of the tale is that of the secret love affair and marriage of two characters. In this story, Rostam is approached by Tahmine in his room; the two immediately fall in love and become "mates". That night, they consummate their marriage and Sohrab is conceived. Already a strong semblance to what happens between Sakuntala and Dusyanta, the likeness thickens when Rostam gives Tahmine the jeweled seal that he wore on his arm. This is obviously similar to Dusyanta's ring.

The one story outside of our reading assignments that I see very closely related to this is Henry V. Sohrab, while not a king, is very young and full of strength and ire--much like Henry in Shakepeare's tale of the young king. Also similar, is the manner in which the skill and prowess of the two are underestimated by foes. Even the similarities between Human and Barman to two friends that betrayed Henry, I found intriguing.