Khaled · Chapter
Chapter VI explained
Khaled questions Almasta about Abdul Kerim's death but gets no clear answer.
What happens
Khaled questions Almasta about Abdul Kerim's death but gets no clear answer. Zehowah tries to coax a confession from Almasta, who feigns grief and ignorance. Khaled, overhearing their conversation, is pleased by Zehowah's anger at Almasta's suggestion that Zehowah does not love him. He devises a plan to make Zehowah jealous by pretending to take delight in Almasta's company and beauty.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Rumor
Almasta feigns grief and ignorance about Abdul Kerim's death; Khaled plans to deceive Zehowah by pretending to be attracted to Almasta.
Gender and Agency
Zehowah uses her position to interrogate Almasta, but Almasta resists through silence and feigned helplessness; Khaled manipulates both women through his authority.
Characters to notice
- Khaled
Questions Almasta about Abdul Kerim's death; devises a plan to make Zehowah jealous by feigning interest in Almasta.
- Zehowah
Attempts to extract a confession from Almasta through questioning and threats; shows anger when Almasta suggests she does not love Khaled.
- Almasta
Feigns grief over Abdul Kerim's death; speaks broken Arabic and avoids confessing to any wrongdoing; sings for Khaled at his request.
Key passages
“If you do not speak the truth, I will cut off your head with my own hand. Allah is witness.”
Khaled threatens Almasta with execution if she lies.
Khaled's stern interrogation of Almasta regarding Abdul Kerim's death.
“You make progress. You speak our language better. You will soon be able to tell the Sultan that you love him, as well as I could myself.”
Zehowah sarcastically notes Almasta's improving Arabic and implies she might declare love for Khaled.
Zehowah's veiled accusation that Almasta is learning Arabic to win Khaled's affection.
“It is better that she should remain here. For we cannot put her to death without evidence of her guilt, and if we are obstinate in wishing to give her a husband, we do not know how many husbands she may destroy before she is satisfied.”
Khaled decides to keep Almasta in the palace rather than marry her off, fearing she might kill more husbands.
Khaled's reasoning for retaining Almasta as part of his plan to provoke Zehowah's jealousy.