Joseph Campbell, mythologist and former student of Carl Jung, describes "the hero journey" as a common experience all humans share. In this journey, the hero either willingly or unwillingly departs upon an adventure, through which he is challenged in a world mysterious and dangerous, during which he must overcome some task or foe. The hero accomplishes this task with the help of others, or with the aid of some device. By the journey's end, the hero has either accomplished an important task, or sometimes learned a valuable lesson; only then does the hero return to his prior life, but forever changed by the experience.

Damascus Nights is the tale of Samir losing his ability to tell stories, and his friends attempt to return the gifts he has so long and freely given--the gift of storytelling. They endeavor to return to Samir his voice, his ability to tell stories, and ultimately his happiness.

Choose one of the storytellers from Rafik Schiami’s Damascus Nights. What does that narrator discover about himself through the journey he describes to Salim and friends?

Your response should be typed. Use direct evidence from the novel. You have 35 minutes to complete the assignment.