Synthesis Iran

Here is an excerpt from W Sh's paper.  What are the strengths of his argument?  How could he empower it?

"Sultan, the protagonist in 'Burning Books' is an enemy of the government in that he sells illegal propaganda.  This propoaganda is in the form of narratives.  All the opinions he held, all the beliefs he had, were subject to imprisonment, yet he continued to get his message out through books.  The uneducated Talban soldiers who seized Sultan's bookshop could not read, and did not help the economy of modernize Iran, but they knew that Sultan influenced many educated Iranians.  His narratives were such an essential part of Iranian culture that they influenced many political stances and Sultan made a name for himself through narratives."

Synthesis Iran

Here is an excerpt from KR's paper.  What are the strengths of his argument?  How could he empower it?

"Informing outsiders of a certain culture is necessary in preserving that culture's beliefs.  Iranian culture is so dynamic and rich that it provides a most opportune topic for authors to write about.  Unfortunately, as mentioned through The Bookseller of Kabul, the author mentions how precious books and artifacts were destroyed containing valuable information about Iran's culture and history.  'They [the foot soldiers] hacked at the sculptures till only the plinth remained' (Seierstad 20).  The author';s goal throughout the passage is to ensure his precious books remain intact.  While describing his journey, the author provides valuable information about Iranian culture and the Taliban as they were very involved in his mission to save other books of history.  In Arabian Nights as well as Censoring an Iranian Love Story, both provide information into Iranian culture.  The intimate details about the author or main character's lives all relate to practices and beliefs of Iran and therefore, those passages help to educate the reader better about Iranian principles."

Synthesis Iran 1

Here is an excerpt from JB's paper.  What are its strengths?  How could he empower his argument?

"In the fable of Hamza and Amar, the author describes a visit the two friends make to a garden, where things go awry.  The fable introduces the moral of staying your ground, not having to give in or prove yourself.  Although the story was translated into English, one can clearly see the Iranian literary culture instilled within.  The English translation uses a complex diction, choosing intricate words that are not used in everyday conversation.  It is likely that this was a deliberate move, as it would be odd to use such ornate language in the English translation unless the original text employed it as well.  Considering this move by the translators, it seems that the story has retained its purest form possible, reflecting the author's original intent.  It does this more so than either of the other two passages.  Normal western narratives would have used a much more concise diction, keeping the words they use short and sweet,  This provides an almost blunt tone in some instances, and can get mundane after long periods of reading.  The flowing, eloquent touch that this Iranian passage has provides a welcome change from the usual westernized style of writing.  While the diction of the passage provides an ample look at Iranian literary style, other elements of the story contribute as well."