The Sheikh

The Sheikh:

§         Although the sheikh himself does not develop through the novel, he helps provide options for Said, this helps in driving the plot along, Said makes the decisions based on his options (and personal bias)

§         The sheikh puts Said’s emotions into words “ you had a long sleep, but you know no rest” (p209)

§         “the world is unaware of him who is unaware of it” (209) – another example of how the Sheikh puts Said’s emotions into words, creates a better understanding of the psychological state of the character

§         Provides contrast to the rest of the novel, shows the difference between Said in his actions and the Sheikh, and shows how the Sheikh provides “the other option”

§         The Sheikh’s nature is based on the following of Sufi Islam. “known for peaceful, meditative nature”

§         Connection to Said’s past and his father, “he told him his name was Said Mahran, son of Amm Mahran, his old disciple, and reminded him of the old days” (p207), provides a back story into the character. “carrying him back to a distant, gentle time of childhood, dreams, a loving father, and his own innocent yearning” (p162)

§         Said’s views him and his place as a form of food and shelter, a place of safety were he can be pardoned in this world for the things he has done “you seek a roof not and answer” (p166)

§         Provides a mystical approach, a mystical shelter, even when he is not asked of it

§         Said can confess his wrong doings and verbalize his thoughts to the Sheikh  “Said handed him the revolver, explaining that every missing bullet meant a murder, but the sheikh insisted on seeing his card” (p208)

Said

Statement	Evidence
In the beginning of the novel, Said is introduced as a lonely character.	“no one was waiting for him; nothing but his blue suit and gym shoes” (p. 151)
We discover that he was betrayed in the past, and he longs to take revenge upon those that betrayed him.	“when those who had betrayed him would despair unto death, when treachery would pay for what it had done” (p. 151)
We discover that he is also driven by his love for his daughter Sana.	“as the thought of [Sana] crossed his mind, the heat and the dust, the hatred and pain all disappeared, leaving only love to glow across a soul as clear as a rain-washed sky” (p. 152)
Said’s visit to Rauf Ilwan’s house reveals his enmity towards the upper-class.	“remembers a time when he would have fixed a gaze on them as if he wished to cut their throats” (p. 171)
Said’s visit to Tarzan’s cafe reveals the means by which he intends on taking revenge.	Said to Tarzan: “I need a good revolver” (p. 189)
If his actions in previous chapters weren’t evidence enough, Said is further revealed to be a reckless character.	“‘Let’s have a drink’, he said as soon as they reached the road” (p. 196)
At the end of the novel, he gives up on his desire for retribution, loses all hope and accepts death.	“finally, because he had to succumb, and not caring, he surrendered” (p. 279)

 

 

Function

 

Said is the main character of the novel and its essential driving force. All the occurrences in the story tie directly to his character. Through the combination of Said’s internal monologue and external occurrences, we are introduced to other characters in the novel, all of whom play a role in the life of Said. Essentially, all the novel’s elements revolve around Said’s thoughts and actions.

Rauf

Rauf – Character development:

·         Rauf used to be Said’s mentor as well as his friend in the past “He’s still a friend and mentor, a sword of freedom ever drawn, and he’ll always be like that…”

·         But when Said revisits Rauf he realizes that he’s a completely different person

·         Now part of the establishment, changes sides

·         Has power from position- editor. Has financial status as seen in physical description of his house.

·         Rejects Said. Resentment seen through  “Ilwan’s face became cowlike in its fullness, and that despite his apparent friendliness and courtesy, there was something chilly about him, as well as an unfamiliar and rather disturbing suavity, a quality that could only have come from a touch of blue blood…” (pg 174)

·         Betrays Said. Rauf exposes Said through his newspaper and portrays him as a criminal – shows power

·         Said feels betrayed by Rauf “You pushed me into jail, while you leapt free, into that palace of lights and mirros. You’ve forgotten your wise sayings…” (pg 182)

·         Rauf may represent changes in Egyptian society

 

Backstory

-          Was a thief living in poverty

-          Used  to be Said’s mentor and friend

-          Resented upper class (the establishment)

-          Stole from them

-          “There had been a time when he’d been nothing more than a scribbler for a magazine.” (pg 172)

-           

Nur

FUNCTION

·        A ‘doormat’ to the male characters of the novel

Simply used by them (e.g for sex as a prostitute):

Said – “I had no time for love then.”

Nur – “When you went to jail, no one grieved as much as I did” (216)

o       Said uses her to get a car despite the possible consequences

§         Said is very selfish and treats Nur inconsiderately: “’You see,’ she said with a pout, ‘you never think of me.’ ‘It’s not true,’ he said. ‘You’re very dear to me.’ ‘You’re only thinking about that poor fish.’” (194)

·        Enhances sense of place

o       In terms of how women are treated in the Egyptian culture

§         Said treats her very poorly: “’You can say things like that!’…’Sometimes I almost think the police know more about kindness than you’” (227)

§         Said only uses her at his expense: “’How terrible! Didn’t I plead with you?…You don’t love me,’ she said wanly. ‘I know that. But at least we could have lived together until you did love me!’”.

·        Overall, Nur is dispensable to the novel, the novel would not suffer without her character

DEVELOPMENT

·        Introduction of Nur

o       Shows a passage of time: “It’s Nur, remember her?” (192)

§         Portrays Nur’s insignificance to Said’s past life

·        Symbolism, the usage of darkness in the introduction of Nur: “Said looked into the darkness, but could see nothing.” (192)

o       Provides a contrast because the name ‘Nur’ in Arabic means light.

·        Nur, as a character, does not really develop

·        Her relationship with Said however, does.

o       Her lasting love for Said at first was not reciprocated back by him: “’You’re treating me like a child,’ she said angrily”  (236).

o       As time goes by, Said starts to feel love for her, as shown by Said’s longing for Nur in her absence: “Being with you, after being out there with bullets tearing after me, is like being in Paradise…you really are very good to me…” (252)

§         “He leaned towards her and pulled her down by the hand. He pressed his face against hers, his nose filling with the smell of wine and sweat. But he felt no disgust and kissed her with genuine tenderness.” (259)