This alternative account is remarkably similar to the story of Moses from the Bible. In the Book of Exodus, the Israelite mother casts baby Moses into the Nile because the Pharaoh ordered all baby Israelite boys to be killed. I'm wondering why Ibn Tufayl chose Hayy's creation to mirror that of such an iconic Biblical figure. Perhaps he was trying to help his story connect with a larger Jewish, Christian, or Muslim audience. Maybe he even thought that readers would more easily adopt his philosophical ideas if they could connect them to stories they were already familiar with.
Another possible reason why Ibn Yaqzān may have chosen to allude to Moses' creation story is because of the way it questions power. Moses is supposed to be put to death, but he ends up being cared for by the leader of the group that is doing the killing. Yet Hayy's situation is the opposite: humans typically hunt animals like deer, yet he ends up be raised by one. The first protagonist is loved by his predator, the other loved by his prey.
The comparison between Hayy and Moses may not even have to stop at their births. Moses goes on to receive the 10 Commandments, and is forever associated with these laws. Hayy, on the other hand, grows up completely lawless. If this set up was intentional, I'm not sure what Ibn Yaqzān was trying to say.
It was interesting for me to examine the similarities and differences between Hayy and Moses' birth stories, and I will be sure to look for more Biblical allusions as I continue my reading.
Hey, Heather! I though similarly about Hayy's rumored birth and Moses. In fact, I remember writing "Moses?" in the margins next to the paragraph where his birth is described. I do think the allusion may have something to do with overthrowing power like you mention, but it also may just be the fact that it is a common trope, especially in older writing. In the hero's journey, the hero comes from the ordinary world to the other world, and setting up the story in such a way that the hero is sent away from their homeland early on fits with this. Maybe that is why it is such a common trope in our literature.
ReplyDeleteHi Heather, that's exactly what I was thinking when reading about Hayy's birth as well. Moses is a really important figure in the Bible, so it is understandable to think of it as a way to connect with the Abrahamic religions, but I really like your second answer more. I never thought of an answer like that, but now it seems like the most plausible one I can think of.
ReplyDeleteHi Heather! You did such an amazing job of comparing and contrasting these 2 stories! Your analysis of the Moses receiving the 10 commandments and Hayy being completely detached from society's rules really shows that there are many ways to discover a larger spiritual truth.
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