Chapter: 07. Mullah Nasreddin And The Nail
Literary Appreciation
“Mullah Nasreddin and the Nail” is a delightful example of a trickster tale, a popular genre in folklore across many cultures. It masterfully uses humor, wit, and irony to deliver a timeless message. The story amuses readers through the unexpected cleverness of Mullah Nasreddin, who, despite appearing simple or even mad, outsmarts a greedy neighbor. The humor escalates with each item Mullah Nasreddin hangs on his “nail,” culminating in the shocking cow dung, which serves as a brilliant example of exaggeration for comic and dramatic effect. This escalating absurdity highlights the neighbor’s folly and Nasreddin’s sharp intellect, making the story both entertaining and memorable.
Summary of the Story
Mullah Nasreddin, a wise but impoverished priest, is forced to sell his ancestral home due to financial difficulties. A crooked neighbor, hoping to exploit Nasreddin’s situation, offers a ridiculously low price. Nasreddin agrees, but with one peculiar condition: he insists on retaining ownership of a single nail in the living room wall, claiming it belonged to his deceased father, and that he can do whatever he wishes with it. The neighbor, eager for a bargain, agrees despite his wife’s initial misgivings. After moving out, Nasreddin repeatedly visits the house to “worship” his nail, each time hanging an increasingly offensive item (turban, scarf, coat, and finally, a sack of cow dung) on it. The frustrated neighbor and his furious wife take the matter to the council of elders, who, after reviewing the contract, rule in Nasreddin’s favor. Unable to tolerate the disturbances and the unpleasant items, the neighbor finally begs Nasreddin to buy the house back, allowing Mullah Nasreddin to reclaim his home and even make a profit.
Detailed Explanation of Each Scene
Scene 1: The Unconventional Sage and His Predicament
What happens: Mullah Nasreddin is introduced as a local priest, living in extreme poverty, known for his unconventional and spiritual ways. His financial troubles force him to sell his ancestral home. Significance: This sets up Nasreddin’s initial vulnerable position and establishes his unique character – a wise man who defies conventional labels of “madman” or “sage,” making his subsequent actions surprising and effective. Scene 2: The Crooked Offer and the Curious Clause
What happens: A greedy neighbor, aware of Nasreddin’s financial woes, offers a pitiful price for the house, thinking he can take advantage. Nasreddin appears delighted and agrees, but adds a crucial clause: he must retain ownership of one specific nail in the living room, claiming it belonged to his late father, and can do anything he wants with it. Significance: This is the turning point. Nasreddin’s seemingly odd request is, in fact, the ingenious trap he sets for the unscrupulous neighbor. The neighbor’s eagerness to get a cheap deal blinds him to the potential implications of this “small thing.” Scene 3: The Nail’s First “Worship” – The Turban
What happens: A month after the sale, Nasreddin knocks on the neighbor’s door, humbly asking to worship his nail. Once inside, he bows before the nail and hangs his turban on it, claiming it’s “on his nail” when questioned. Significance: This is the first act of Nasreddin’s plan. It tests the neighbor’s tolerance and establishes the “right” he secured in the contract. The turban is a relatively harmless item, setting a precedent for what’s to come. Scene 4: The Escalation of Items – Scarf and Coat
What happens: Two weeks later, Nasreddin returns, hangs a scarf alongside his turban. A week after that, he adds his coat and hat. The neighbor is increasingly annoyed, and his wife becomes furious, accusing her husband of weakness. Significance: The frequency of visits and the increasing number of items demonstrate Nasreddin’s persistent claim over the nail and its immediate surroundings. The wife’s anger introduces conflict within the neighbor’s household, adding pressure on him. Scene 5: The Breaking Point – The Cow Dung
What happens: The very next day, Nasreddin shows up with a sack full of cow dung, intending to hang it on his nail. The wife screams in rage, threatening to leave her husband if the dung remains in the house. The neighbor protests vehemently. Significance: This is the climax of Nasreddin’s strategy. The cow dung is the ultimate, unbearable nuisance, forcing the neighbor and his wife to confront the full, unbearable consequence of the clause they agreed to. It’s the final straw that breaks their resolve. Scene 6: The Council’s Unfavorable Ruling
What happens: Unable to resolve the dispute, the neighbor calls for a meeting with the council of elders. Nasreddin presents the contract without a word. The wise men examine the document and rule that Nasreddin is perfectly entitled to do as he wishes with his nail, as the contract has no restrictions. Significance: This legal validation of Nasreddin’s actions demonstrates the neighbor’s foolishness in not carefully reading the contract and highlights Nasreddin’s cleverness in crafting an unassailable agreement. Justice is served through the letter of the law. Scene 7: The Sweet Resolution
What happens: After a sleepless night and arguments with his wife, the dejected neighbor begs Nasreddin to buy the house back at a bargain price. Nasreddin agrees, and the neighbor moves out quickly. Mullah Nasreddin reclaims his ancestral home and makes a profit. Significance: This is the triumphant resolution. Nasreddin successfully reverses his misfortune, outwitting the greedy neighbor who tried to take advantage of him. It shows that cleverness and forethought can overcome dishonesty and exploitation. Theme and Moral of the Story
Themes:
Cleverness Over Greed: The central theme is how intelligence and wit can outsmart those driven by avarice and dishonesty. Mullah Nasreddin, though poor, uses his sharp mind to reclaim what was unjustly taken. The Power of Words and Agreements: The story highlights the importance of carefully understanding contracts and agreements. The neighbor’s downfall stems from his failure to fully comprehend the implications of the “small clause.” Unconventional Wisdom: Mullah Nasreddin’s “madman or sage” persona emphasizes that wisdom can come in unexpected forms and through unconventional methods. Justice and Consequences: The story serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that attempting to take advantage of others can ultimately lead to one’s own downfall. The neighbor’s greed leads to his humiliation and loss. Moral:
The primary moral is: “Be careful what you agree to, and don’t try to take advantage of others, as your cunning may be outsmarted by even greater wisdom.” It teaches that honesty and fair dealings are ultimately more beneficial than deceptive practices.
Author Spotlight: Mullah Nasreddin
While “Mullah Nasreddin and the Nail” does not have a single, known author in the traditional sense, it features Mullah Nasreddin himself as the central character of countless folk tales. Nasreddin is a legendary figure, often referred to as Nasreddin Hodja or just Nasreddin, whose stories originated in Turkey around seven hundred years ago.
He is a beloved trickster character, much like the spider Anansi from West African folklore, Br’er Rabbit from African-American tales, or Reynard the Fox in French folklore. Nasreddin’s tales often portray him as a wise, sometimes foolish, but always resourceful individual who uses common sense, wit, and presence of mind to overcome difficult situations or expose the follies of others. His unconventional methods and often humorous solutions to everyday problems have made him a timeless figure, providing both entertainment and practical life lessons through his clever exploits. His stories are still told and enjoyed across many cultures, celebrated for their unique blend of humor and wisdom.
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