Self-fulfilling Prophecy of The Arabian Nights As Reflected in Feminist Young Adult Literature

This paper analyzes the social-psychological phenomenon of Self-fulfilling Prophecy (SFP) through The Arabian Nights, and the feminist Young Adult (YA) literature. Significantly, the literature of two extreme ages and cultures provides universal messages. Application of Social- Neuroscience concept of Predictive Processing (PP) simplifies the understanding of SFP. In the troubled age of One Thousand and One Nights, Scheherazade narrated strange and intriguing tales to King Shahryar. The folktales provided a unique insight towards peacefully resolving a dreadful conflict. Ignorant of the supposition or reality of the gripping stories, the absolute ruler meditated on Scheherazade’s recitals like a follower. Her mesmerizing presence and tapestry of words calmed him. The Emperor gave up his ruthless decisions of executing a woman every day, and he developed a sense of forbearance with her stories as they helped him to transcend the mistrust of women. Today’s YA texts are also like Scheherazade’s narratives in tough times. The nobility of thoughts, courage to lead, and critical analysis can help humankind to emerge in a brave new world. Through her brilliant wit, leadership, care, and didactic philosophy, Scheherazade elevated herself from a ‘storytelling slave’ to ‘First Feminist’. The Arabian Nights resembles the innovative literary universe of YA literature with absorbing themes, current world issues, mythological adaptations, and speculative fiction. Reading about female leaders in YA literature awakens the world towards alternative solutions to critical world problems. These texts cultivate vital thinking and problem-solving skills in adolescents preparing for adulthood.