"I am sure," said the king, "that this man is the most faithful and virtuous of men. If he wished to take my life, why did he cure me? Cease to speak against him. I see what it is, you are jealous of him; but do not think that I can be turned against him. I remember well what a vizir said to King Sindbad, his master, to prevent him from putting the prince, his son, to death."
What the Greek king said excited the vizir's curiosity, and he said to him, "Sire, I beg your majesty to have the condescension to tell me what the vizir said to King Sindbad."
"This vizir," he replied, "told King Sindbad that one ought not believe everything that a mother-in-law says, and told him this story."
–“The Story of the Greek King and the Physician Douban,”
Andrew Lang
What is unique about this story?
Which plot element is missing from the story?
One unique aspect of this story is that it includes a reference to another story within it, specifically "The Story of the Greek King and the Physician Douban" within the larger narrative.
As for the missing plot element, it is not explicitly stated in the given passage.
The unique aspect of this story is the use of a reference to another tale, specifically "The Story of the Greek King and the Physician Douban." By mentioning this story, the king is implying that there is a lesson or moral that can be applied to the current situation.
The plot element that is missing from the story is the resolution or conclusion. The excerpt provided only presents the dialogue between the king and the vizir, but does not reveal what happens next or how the situation is resolved.
To determine what is unique about this story, we need to analyze the given passage and look for distinctive features or characteristics. In this story, there are a few unique elements:
1. The story is presented as a conversation between two characters, the Greek king and the vizir. This dialogue format adds an interactive and engaging aspect to the storytelling.
2. The story references other well-known stories, like the story of King Sindbad. This intertextuality connects different narrative worlds and adds depth to the story.
3. The story explores themes of loyalty, trust, and deceit. It raises questions about the intentions and motivations of characters, creating intrigue and suspense.
Regarding the missing plot element, it is evident that the passage does not provide the details of the story mentioned by the Greek king. Instead, it refers to a conversation between the vizir and King Sindbad. Thus, the missing plot element is the actual story that the vizir told to King Sindbad about not believing everything a mother-in-law says.