Chapter eight focuses on the characters of Said and Sheikh Ali al-Jumaydi; however, there are also allusions to the characters of Sana, Rauf Ilwan, Nabawiyya, Ilish Sidra, and Shaban Husayn. The relationship between Said and the Sheikh is emphasized throughout the chapter with the Sheikh acting somewhat as a father figure to Said, a person who he looks to for guidance. This is noticeable as the Sheikh acknowledges Said as his son, “you are very wretched, my son” (209). The alternating narrative voices are once again used to allow access to Said’s thoughts as well as to further the plot. The italicized text which acts as an interior monologue shows how Said is conflicted with wanting to confess his crimes to the Sheikh. This can be seen in the sentence, “cut off your tongue before it betrays you and confesses your crime! You wish to tell him everything” (210). Chapter eight focuses on the doubts and fears of Said, mostly revealing his inner turmoil through a nightmare in which the people Said know become somewhat distorted. This can be observed to a point where Rauf Ilwan has been nominated for the post of Supreme Sheikh and the Sheikh doesn’t recognize Said. Aside from Said developing into a more anxious character who sees a need to run, Said is also depicted as becoming more ruthless. The reader feels less sympathy for Said as at one point, “he wondered what the Sheikh would do if he were to point his gun at him” (209). The principle of pointing a gun at someone who has fed and sheltered you is quite unheard of. The thought of trying to shake the Sheikh’s composure might also convey how Said is becoming more agitated at the Sheikh’s resolve and enigmatic nature.
Chapter eight explores and offers greater insight into the persona of the Sheikh. He is constantly telling riddles to Said, however these riddles often contain linings of advice. This can be seen in the line “the world is unaware of him who is unaware of it” (209). This could possibly signify that the Sheikh believes that Said should not over concern himself with the things around him but instead should concentrate on his own well being. The Sheikh is portrayed as being placid while at the same time caring, saying to Said, “you are tired. Go and wash your face” (212). This contrasts Said’s rather abrasive manner which is present in this chapter.
Tags: characterization, relationship, Said, Sheikh
February 27, 2009 at 12:37 am
You can also comment on how Said does not feel safe anymore and is “carrying his revolver” (pg. 205) everywhere with him even to sleep.
There is also another characterisation of Said but of his past. Before he was sent to jail, “he’d [get] up as as he heard the call to the dawn prayers” (pg. 206). This shows a contrast to how he is now where he is not bothered to get up to “perform the dawn prayers” (pg. 207).