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Statement |
Evidence |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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) |
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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.
Tags: Said
