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)
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Tags: Rauf
