The best of stories..

In school they teach us some literary techniques that western authors would use as a sign of their excellent writing skills in their stories etc. SubhanAllah, I noticed that some of these tools are used in "the best of stories" in the Qur'an, the story of Yusuf (alayhis salaam).

For example,

Foreshadowing: is used when the dream of Yusuf is shared with his father in this beginning.

Symbolism: is used through the shirt.

Conflict and Resolution: Yusuf's brothers plotting against against him and putting him at the bottom of a well was the conflict, but it was resolved when the caraven came and found young Yusuf, taking him to Egypt. There are other examples of C&R too.

There' also a theme of 'literary circles'; whats shown in the first part of the story reflects the second part. Some examples:

1st part of story (purple), 2nd part of story (green)

1) Dream of Yusuf's family prostrating
1) Yusuf's family prostrating to him after reuniting at end

2) Yusuf consoled by Allah when thrown in the well
2) Yusuf consoled by Allah when thrown in prison

3) Yusuf's shirt thrown to his father by his brothers (to show 'fake blood' evidence he 'died')
3) Yusuf's shirt thrown to his father by a messenger after Yusuf orders his brothers to when they know of his real identity

4) Yusuf encounter with Master's wife & her friends after she tries to seduce him again
4) Yusuf encounter with Master's wife & her friends after they are brought by the king to confront them about their injustice to Yusuf

5) Yusuf's brothers jealous argument with their father, trying to persuade him to allow them to play with him (that they will be careful with him and look after him..)
5) Yusuf's brothers argument with their father, trying to persuade him to allow them to take their younger brother, Benyamin with them to the King (that they will be careful with him and look after him..)

6) Yusuf taken by his brothers to 'play', and their promise to bring him back is broken
6) Benyamin taken by his brothers to get their allocations, and then "arrested" by Yusuf for "stealing", their promise to bring him back is broken

7) Brothers rejected by Yusuf (now position kings court), after they try to get their allocated food
7) Brothers rejected by Yusuf towards they end because their brother "stole"

8) Yusuf asked to give advice about dream interpretation by 2 imprisoned men
8) Yusuf asked to give advice about dream interpretation of the King

9) Yacub putting his faith in Allah's hands after learning of Yusufs loss; states that "Nay, but your minds have made up a tale (that may pass) with you, (for me) patience is most fitting: Against that which ye assert, it is Allah (alone) Whose help can be sought".
9)Yacub putting his faith in Allah's hands after learning of Benyamins loss; states very similar verse: "Nay, but ye have yourselves contrived a story (good enough) for you. So patience is most fitting (for me). Maybe Allah will bring them (back) all to me (in the end). For He is indeed full of knowledge and wisdom."

10) Verse at the begining when Yusuf taken by the rich Master after rescue from well: " Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of stories (and events). And Allah hath full power and control over His affairs; but most among mankind know it not.

وَكَذَلِكَ مَكَّنِّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الأَرْضِ وَلِنُعَلِّمَهُ مِن تَأْوِيلِ الأَحَادِيثِ وَاللّهُ غَالِبٌ عَلَى أَمْرِهِ وَلَـكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ

10) Verse when Yusuf given a position by the King after release from prison: (12:56) "Thus did We give established power to Joseph in the land, to take possession therein as, when, or where he pleased. We bestow of our Mercy on whom We please, and We suffer not, to be lost, the reward of those who do good.

وَكَذَلِكَ مَكَّنِّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الأَرْضِ يَتَبَوَّأُ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ يَشَاء نُصِيبُ بِرَحْمَتِنَا مَن نَّشَاء وَلاَ نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ