ELT-312 (376) FINAL EXAMINATION STUDY GUIDE
Cagutom, BSEd-English
Topic Assigned
• Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
• The Prophet by Khalil Gibran
Study Guide for
"Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves"
I. Story Summary:
• Setting:
o Ancient Persia (modern-
day Iran).
• Main Characters:
o Ali Baba - A poor
woodcutter and the
story's protagonist.
o Morgiana - A clever
servant girl who plays a
significant role in the
story.
o Cassim - Ali Baba's
greedy brother.
o The Forty Thieves - A
group of ruthless robbers
led by their cunning
leader.
||. Plot:
• Ali Baba discovers the secret
cave of the Forty Thieves while
collecting firewood.
• Ali Baba witnesses the thieves'
treasure and takes some of it.
• He uses the password "Open
Sesame" to enter the cave.
• Cassim's greed leads to his
capture by the thieves, who
discover Ali Baba's identity.
• Morgiana uses her wit and
resourcefulness to defeat the
thieves and save Ali Baba.
III. Themes:
• Greed and Its Consequences:
The story highlights the
destructive nature of greed, as
Jackie B.
seen in Cassim's actions and the
eventual downfall of the Forty
Thieves.
• Resourcefulness: Characters
like Morgiana demonstrate the
importance of clever thinking
and resourcefulness in
overcoming challenges.
IV. Cultural Significance:
• Middle Eastern Folklore: "Ali
Baba and the Forty Thieves" is a
classic example of Middle
Eastern folklore, showcasing the
rich storytelling tradition of the
region.
• Moral Lessons: The story
imparts valuable moral lessons
about greed, honesty, and the
importance of quick thinking.
• Global Adaptations: The story
has been adapted into various
forms worldwide, contributing to
its enduring popularity.
V. Literary Analysis:
• Style: The story is characterized
by its vivid descriptions,
suspenseful plot, and use of
repetition (e.g., the "Open
Sesame" password).
• Symbolism: The treasure in the
thieves' cave can symbolize the
allure of material wealth and the
dangers of unchecked desire.
• Character Development: Ali
Baba's character evolves from a
timid woodcutter to a more
confident and resourceful
individual.
ELT-312 (376) FINAL EXAMINATION STUDY GUIDE Jackie B. Cagutom, BSEd-English

Study Guide for • Literary Elements:

"The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran
o Symbolism: Identify
It provides timeless spiritual wisdom on symbols in the text, such
a range of subjects, including giving,
as Almustafa's ship,
eating and drinking, clothes, buying and
selling, crime and punishment, laws, which represents his
teaching, time, pleasure, religion, impending departure, and
death, beauty, and friendship. the city of Orphalese,
symbolizing a place of
-The Prophet
learning and growth.

• Author Background: o Metaphor: Explore the

o Khalil Gibran (1883-1931) use of metaphors
was a Lebanese- throughout the book to
American poet, writer, convey deeper meanings
and philosopher. and emotions.
o He immigrated to the
United States in the late
19th century and became
known for his works in o Imagery: Analyze the
both English and Arabic. vivid and evocative
o Gibran's writings often imagery that Gibran
explore themes of love, employs to paint mental
freedom, and the human pictures for the readers.
condition.

• Summary of "The Prophet":

o "The Prophet" is o Language and Style:
structured as a series of Discuss Gibran's use of
philosophical essays language and his poetic
delivered by a character writing style, which adds
named Almustafa, a depth and beauty to the
prophet, who is about to text.
depart from the city of
Orphalese. As he
prepares to leave, the
people of the city seek his
wisdom on various topics,
and Almustafa shares his
insights in the form of
poetic prose. The book
covers a wide range of
topics, including love,
marriage, work, freedom,
and spirituality.