Harshil's Blog

Chapter Eight – Plot Development

gagoomalh — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:59:31 +0000

After allegedly killing Ilish Sidra, Said returns to the home of Sheikh Ali al-Jumaydi and falls asleep. The very next day Said buys a copy of the newspaper “The Sphinx” and reads that Ilish Sidra hadn’t been killed but rather the new tenant, Shaban Husayn. Said also reads that a neighbor had testified that he’d seen Said flee the scene of the crime. Fearing that he would soon be discovered, Said bids farewell to the Sheikh and departs.

Chapter Eight – Imagery

gagoomalh — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:57:53 +0000

The predominant imagery in chapter eight is that of fire and death imagery. This imagery is used to symbolize how Said is burdened by the weight of his past crimes, “assailed by memories that rushed into his mind like roaring flames” (208). His exhaustion and helplessness is also described by the Sheikh, “just like a child laid under the fire of the blazing sun. Your burning heart yearns for shade, yet continues forward under the fire of the sun” (209). Furthermore, Said is stated as being “alive but without real life. Like a mummy” (211). Towards the end of the chapter traces of animal imagery are present, this is seen with the line of “he’d have to flee like a rat from one hole to another” (211). This animal imagery is used in a similar manner as in previous chapters, with several negative connotations. Said is described as being a rat, referring to how he is forced to run and hide from danger. This contradicts earlier descriptions of Said which depict him as cunning and strong; instead, Said is seen in a more desperate light.

Chapter Eight – Characterization

gagoomalh — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:55:40 +0000

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.

Chapter Eight – Themes

gagoomalh — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:53:03 +0000

Several themes in this chapter are reoccurring themes in previous chapters. These include the themes of justice and fate which are apparent in the following quotations accompanied by a few brief comments:

Justice- “That you’d be killed in error but Ilish, Nabawiyya, and Rauf would not be killed in justice” (212).

Said’s desire for revenge ended up in the murder of an innocent, there was no act of justice accomplished.

Fate- “God presents His gifts as His will alone decides” (209).

God decides and controls certain actions, it is fate.

In addition to these, the themes of understanding and a man’s relationship with God also take on a central focus:

Understanding- “Not even Sheikh Ali al-Jumaydi himself can understand anything. I’ve tried to solve part of the riddle, but have only succeeded in unearthing an even greater one” (212).

Said is confused about the predicament he’s in; understanding as a theme is also important in future chapters.

Man’s relationship with God- “If it is true that man can be poor in God, so is it true man can be rich in Him” (210).

Religion is an important concept with regards to the characters of Said and Sheikh, they use God as a means to find answers.

Chapter Eight – Sense of Place

gagoomalh — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:49:00 +0000

Some phrases from chapter eight further indicate that the novel is set in Cairo as well as offer a glimpse into the culture. The newspaper “The Sphinx” (210) as well as the headline “Dastardly Murder in the Citadel Quarter” (210), further establish a setting. This is because sphinxes and citadels are usually associated with Egypt. The reference to the “Holy Koran” (208 ) offers some insight into the culture by suggesting that the majority of the characters in the novel are Muslim.

-“Blessed be ye, O people of Egypt, our lord Husayn is now yours” (208).

The scene for chapter eight is illustrated in the following quote: “He pushed the Sheikh’s door, met no resistance, entered, closed it behind him, and found himself in the open courtyard where the palm tree towered, as if stretched upward into space as high as the watchful stars” (205). The Darrasa quarter where the Sheikh lives is quite significant as it acts as a safe-house for Said. It is ironic how a place so religious shelters a criminal who has murdered, an act said to be a sin in the Koran. Towards the end of the chapter Said leaves his place of refuge, foreshadowing a shift in location.