Saïd the Fisherman · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.
Chapter 1
Part I: The Book of His Luck
The chapter opens with an epigraph from the Alcoran, setting a tone of divine covenant and moral obligation. It introduces the central narrative of Saïd the Fisherman, whose life is shaped by fate and luck. The chapter likely begins his story, establishing his circumstances and the forces that will drive his journey.
Chapter 2
I
Saïd, now a wealthy carpet merchant, reflects on his past adventures and contemplates buying Mahmud Effendi's grand house. His servant Selìm advises against selling the business, warning him with a parable about a man who traded his camel for a gold collar and met a tragic end. Saïd dismisses the warning, accusing Selìm of self-interest, leading to a heated exchange.
Chapter 3
II
Saïd, a merchant, visits Mahmud Effendi to negotiate the purchase of his grand house. Despite Mahmud's initial denial of intent to sell, he entertains Saïd's offer, leading to a tense negotiation where Saïd's bid is far below the valuation. Saïd leaves, confident that Mahmud's financial pressures will eventually force a sale, and he dreams of the prestige the house will bring.
Chapter 4
III
In the heart of the city, Saïd's household is in turmoil. Hasneh, emboldened by her secret knowledge of Ferideh's shame, confronts Saïd upon his return, intending to expose her rival. However, Ferideh, enraged and unveiled, attacks Hasneh before she can speak. Saïd is bewildered and demands an explanation. Ferideh accuses Hasneh of being a liar and a troublemaker. Saïd tends to Ferideh's injured hand, showing her care and affection, while Hasneh is left heartbroken and humiliated, even by Suleyman. Later, Hasneh slips away to the cellar of Nûr.
Chapter 5
IV
In this chapter, Saïd and Ferideh discuss the threat posed by Hasneh and Nûr. Ferideh pleads with Saïd to cast out Hasneh, whom she believes is plotting against her and her son Suleyman. Saïd, while promising to watch Hasneh, refuses to banish her, citing his duty and reputation. The chapter reveals Saïd's internal conflict between his love for Ferideh and his obligations, as well as his growing obsession with Ferideh.
Chapter 6
V
Saïd's rage erupts after discovering his hidden treasure may be compromised. He accuses Nûr of complicity and plans to move his money to a secret compartment, confiding only in Ferideh. Nûr arrives and is violently cursed by Saïd, leading to a bitter confrontation where she threatens to expose his past crimes, including his theft from the old beggar and his connection to Yuhanna's murder. Ferideh attempts to soothe Saïd, but his anger and paranoia dominate.
Chapter 7
VI
Saïd goes to the coffeehouse of Rashîd, where he meets Selîm. He is excited about his bargain with Mahmud Effendi to buy a palace, and he plans to become the richest man in the province. At the tavern, he encounters a group of English travelers and a dragoman who speaks about the freedom of Frankish women. Saïd is intrigued by the tales of England and expresses a desire to visit, but Selîm warns him against it, reminding him of his religious duties. Saïd insists on calling in all his money quickly, dismissing Selîm's advice about charity and humility.
Chapter 8
VII
Saïd, light-hearted and confident, walks through the bazaars to his shop where his full fortune will be paid. He encounters a veiled woman who reminds him of Ferideh, causing a moment of suspicion. He is then publicly accused by Camr-ud-dìn of murdering Mustafa, a slander he attributes to Nûr's spite. Despite the accusation, Saïd's joy in his wealth prevails, and he secretly stores his treasure at home, feeling proud and powerful.
Chapter 9
VIII
Saïd, now a wealthy merchant, enjoys a moonlit night on his rooftop, dreaming of his rise in fortune. His contentment is disturbed by the weeping of Hasneh, whom he has confined since her attack on Ferideh. Ferideh persuades him to come down for a meal, and they share an intimate evening. However, Saïd's obsession with guarding his treasure leads him to keep watch on the roof, where he falls asleep. He is awakened by a servant to discover that his treasure has been stolen, and Ferideh and Suleyman have disappeared. In a frenzy of despair, Saïd collapses, and the news of his ruin spreads through the city.
Chapter 10
IX
Saïd, now penniless and disgraced, faces the consequences of his downfall. Rumors spread that he murdered his adopted father, Mustafa, to obtain his wealth, causing him to be shunned by the community. Despite his attempts to fast during Ramadan and his efforts to find the fugitives Ferideh and her child, he is met with failure and hostility. His despair deepens when he overhears a conversation about Mustafa's son, Mansûr, who is expected to avenge his father's death. In a moment of crisis, he is rescued by the holy man Ismaìl Abbâs, who publicly shows him kindness, restoring some semblance of his reputation.
Chapter 11
Chapter X
Saïd and his companions arrive in Beyrût, where Saïd feels uneasy about the foreign atmosphere. He meets his old friend Abdullah, who has become a man of some standing. Abdullah tells Saïd the story of how his wife and son were taken by a Christian, and how Saïd's name is mocked. Saïd lies about his own prosperity and plans to escape to England. He learns that the government will not let him leave, and he decides to swim to an English steamer, leaving Hasneh behind with Selìm.
Chapter 12
XI
Saïd, fleeing his homeland, swims out to an English steamer after evading soldiers' gunfire. He boards the ship, tells a tale of tyranny, and offers money for passage to London.
Chapter 13
XII
Saïd awakens on the steamer bound for England, reflecting on his daring escape and the uncertain future ahead. He checks his hidden money, feels a pang of homesickness as the ship departs, and endures a strange and distasteful breakfast. He befriends an Egyptian who helps him navigate the unfamiliar world of the Franks. When the ship stops at Nabuli, Saïd seizes the opportunity to escape and find another vessel to take him to Lûndra, the city of his dreams. He negotiates passage on a sailing ship, despite his distrust of the one-eyed captain.
Chapter 14
XIII
Saïd, having left the steamer, finds himself in a bleak, industrial English city, overwhelmed by the alien landscape and the hostility of its inhabitants. He is taken by a sailor to a tavern, where he is forced to drink alcohol against his will, deepening his sense of despair and alienation.
Chapter 15
XIV
Saïd awakens in a strange, dark room, suffering from a severe headache, sickness, and thirst. He discovers his money pouch has been stolen, plunging him into despair. A woman refuses him water and forces him out into the cold morning. He wanders aimlessly through an unfamiliar city, encountering hostility and alienation. He sees a scarlet tarbûsh and follows it, hoping to find a fellow Arab, but is disappointed. He experiences hallucinations and a sense of doom, eventually finding a moment of respite in a public garden. The chapter ends with him following a company of scarlet-clad soldiers, feeling a mix of attraction and horror.
Chapter 16
XV
Saïd, delirious in a London hospital, relives memories of his homeland and is haunted by visions of a silent, orderly mass. He is visited by a missionary who speaks Arabic, but Saïd remains unresponsive. As his physical strength returns, his mind remains lost, and the doctor declares him an idiot. The missionary arranges for Saïd to be sent back to the East, hoping familiar scenes might restore his sanity.
Chapter 17
XVI
Saïd, aboard a steamer, gradually regains awareness of his surroundings as the weather warms. He struggles to understand his past and identity, feeling alienated by his Frankish clothes. Upon arriving at a port city, he is overwhelmed by the familiar sights and sounds, but his joy turns to violence when a missionary tries to lead him away. He attacks the man and flees, running through the streets in a state of confusion and exhilaration until he collapses, where he is recognized by Selìm.
Chapter 18
XVII
Saïd, recovering from sunstroke, is cared for by Selìm's household, where he lives peacefully for months, spending days by palm trees. When civil unrest erupts, Selìm confines him, but Saïd escapes, dons the old robe, and joins a riot, leading the mob until he is shot down, becoming a martyr.
Chapter 19
XVIII
Mustafa leads Saïd to the house of Yuhanna the Christian, where Saïd sees Yuhanna's young daughter and becomes infatuated with her. Mustafa, disguised as a beggar, curses the family and plots revenge, promising Saïd the girl and half the treasure. Saïd is captivated by the girl's beauty and agrees to the plan, while Mustafa reveals his long-nurtured hatred and desire for vengeance.
Chapter 20
XIX
In a tavern, Saïd listens to tales of jinn and serpents while Mustafa, the old beggar, speaks of blood and vengeance. A lawyer delivers a fiery speech against Christians and Franks, stirring anti-Christian sentiment. Mustafa, enraged, vows to kill all non-believers, while Abu Khalìl observes the pair with envy.
Chapter 21
XX
Saïd spends his days idly between Nûr's cellar and Abu Khalìl's tavern, consumed by his obsession with Yuhanna's daughter. He watches her secretly, while Nûr and Mustafa encourage his passion, foreseeing a riot that will allow him to abduct her. Tensions rise in the city as rumors of violence between Drûz and Christians spread, and Mustafa incites a crowd, clashing with a lawyer who urges peace. Saïd helps Mustafa escape, and they return to Nûr's cellar, where Mustafa exclaims that the time has come.
Chapter 22
XXI
The city is in turmoil as news of the Drûz-Maronite conflict spreads. Saïd encounters his old friend Selìm, who has risen in the world and now serves in the Governor's household. Selìm warns of the Wâly's weakness and the release of the Christian Jurji, which incites Muslim mobs. Saïd joins a mob that desecrates crosses and is eventually arrested for his part in the unrest. Old Mustafa, the beggar, witnesses Saïd's arrest and laments, then hurries to Nûr's vault for counsel.
Chapter 23
XXII
Saïd and his companions are imprisoned and then sentenced to sweep the streets of the Christian quarter in chains, a punishment seen as a dishonor to Islam. The procession provokes a riot as Muslims rise to free the prisoners, leading to a violent confrontation and a call to attack Yuhanna's house.
Chapter 24
XXIII
Saïd, driven by love, rescues Ferideh from the mob that attacks her father's house. Mustafa kills Yuhanna and reveals his plan to hide the treasure. Saïd brings the unconscious Ferideh to Nûr's house, where Nûr agrees to tend her.
Chapter 25
XXIV
Mustafa returns to Nûr's vault in a frenzied state, having killed Yuhanna. He chants praises to Allah and his left hand, recounting the murder. Nûr tries to calm him and feed him, but he is delirious. Saïd arrives with news that the authorities are searching for them and that Christian refugees and Drûz warriors are gathering in the city, promising a great slaughter the next day. Saïd rouses Mustafa by invoking the faith of Muhammed, and the old man's fervor returns as he prepares to join the coming battle.
Chapter 26
XXV
Saïd awakens to the chaos of a religious riot in the city, joining the mob in looting and killing. He encounters the old beggar Mustafa, who urges him to join the bloodshed and reminds him of their secret meeting. Amidst the violence, Saïd participates in the destruction of the Muscovite Consul's house and witnesses the intervention of Abdul Cader, who rescues Christian nuns from the mob. Saïd's thoughts turn to Ferideh, whom he has left with Nûr, and he plans to visit her before meeting Mustafa.
Chapter 27
XXVI
Nûr scolds Saïd for wanting to see the captive girl, Yuhanna's daughter, and forbids him from approaching her until she is tamed. She cleans bloodstains from his robe and feeds him, while discussing the day's violence and Mustafa's whereabouts. Saïd leaves at sunset, passing through a city still recovering from the riot, and meets Selìm who reports the Wâly's ineffectiveness. Saïd hurries to his meeting with Mustafa, but upon arriving at the fountain, he hears Mustafa's voice confessing to a murder, revealing a darker turn.
Chapter 28
XXVII
Saïd returns to Nûr's house with the news of Mustafa's death, having found the old beggar dead in a fountain chamber. He claims the treasure as his inheritance, and Nûr persuades Abu Khalìl to fetch the body. Saïd retrieves the hidden treasure from the fountain, while Nûr, suspecting his secret, sends him away for the night. The chapter reflects on the violence against Christians in the city and the personal loss of Mustafa.
Chapter 29
XXVIII
Saïd, burdened by his stolen treasure, flees the city in terror, haunted by supernatural fears and guilt. He seeks refuge in a khan, where he dreams of judgment and Mustafa's fate. Awakening, he encounters a caravan and discovers Hasneh, who had been abandoned and mistreated. He reunites with her, shares his wealth, and plans a future together, while reflecting on his past and the chaos in the city.
Chapter 30
Part II: The Book of His Fate
This chapter opens with a quotation from 1 Esdras, posing a rhetorical question about the power of women over men, kings, and multitudes. The title 'The Book of His Fate' suggests a turning point in Saïd's life, where destiny and the influence of women may play a central role.
Chapter 31
I
Saïd, now a wealthy carpet merchant, reflects on his past adventures and contemplates buying Mahmud Effendi's grand house. His servant Selìm advises against selling the business, warning him with a parable about a man who traded his camel for a gold collar and met a tragic end. Saïd dismisses the warning, accusing Selìm of self-interest, leading to a heated exchange.
Chapter 32
II
Saïd, a merchant, visits Mahmud Effendi to negotiate the purchase of his grand house. Despite Mahmud's initial denial of intent to sell, he entertains Saïd's offer, leading to a tense negotiation where Saïd's bid is far below the valuation. Saïd leaves, confident that Mahmud's financial pressures will eventually force a sale, and he dreams of the prestige the house will bring.
Chapter 33
III
In the heart of the city, Saïd's household is in turmoil. Hasneh, emboldened by her secret knowledge of Ferideh's shame, confronts Saïd upon his return, intending to expose her rival. However, Ferideh, enraged and unveiled, attacks Hasneh before she can speak. Saïd is bewildered and demands an explanation. Ferideh accuses Hasneh of being a liar and a troublemaker. Saïd tends to Ferideh's injured hand, showing her care and affection, while Hasneh is left heartbroken and humiliated, even by Suleyman. Later, Hasneh slips away to the cellar of Nûr.
Chapter 34
IV
In this chapter, Saïd and Ferideh discuss the threat posed by Hasneh and Nûr. Ferideh pleads with Saïd to cast out Hasneh, whom she believes is plotting against her and her son Suleyman. Saïd, while promising to watch Hasneh, refuses to banish her, citing his duty and reputation. The chapter reveals Saïd's internal conflict between his love for Ferideh and his obligations, as well as his growing obsession with Ferideh.
Chapter 35
V
Saïd's rage erupts after discovering his hidden treasure may be compromised. He accuses Nûr of complicity and plans to move his money to a secret compartment, confiding only in Ferideh. Nûr arrives and is violently cursed by Saïd, leading to a bitter confrontation where she threatens to expose his past crimes, including his theft from the old beggar and his connection to Yuhanna's murder. Ferideh attempts to soothe Saïd, but his anger and paranoia dominate.
Chapter 36
VI
Saïd goes to the coffeehouse of Rashîd, where he meets Selîm. He is excited about his bargain with Mahmud Effendi to buy a palace, and he plans to become the richest man in the province. At the tavern, he encounters a group of English travelers and a dragoman who speaks about the freedom of Frankish women. Saïd is intrigued by the tales of England and expresses a desire to visit, but Selîm warns him against it, reminding him of his religious duties. Saïd insists on calling in all his money quickly, dismissing Selîm's advice about charity and humility.
Chapter 37
VII
Saïd, light-hearted and confident, walks through the bazaars to his shop where his full fortune will be paid. He encounters a veiled woman who reminds him of Ferideh, causing a moment of suspicion. He is then publicly accused by Camr-ud-dìn of murdering Mustafa, a slander he attributes to Nûr's spite. Despite the accusation, Saïd's joy in his wealth prevails, and he secretly stores his treasure at home, feeling proud and powerful.
Chapter 38
VIII
Saïd, now a wealthy merchant, enjoys a moonlit night on his rooftop, dreaming of his rise in fortune. His contentment is disturbed by the weeping of Hasneh, whom he has confined since her attack on Ferideh. Ferideh persuades him to come down for a meal, and they share an intimate evening. However, Saïd's obsession with guarding his treasure leads him to keep watch on the roof, where he falls asleep. He is awakened by a servant to discover that his treasure has been stolen, and Ferideh and Suleyman have disappeared. In a frenzy of despair, Saïd collapses, and the news of his ruin spreads through the city.
Chapter 39
IX
Saïd, now penniless and disgraced, faces the consequences of his downfall. Rumors spread that he murdered his adopted father, Mustafa, to obtain his wealth, causing him to be shunned by the community. Despite his attempts to fast during Ramadan and his efforts to find the fugitives Ferideh and her child, he is met with failure and hostility. His despair deepens when he overhears a conversation about Mustafa's son, Mansûr, who is expected to avenge his father's death. In a moment of crisis, he is rescued by the holy man Ismaìl Abbâs, who publicly shows him kindness, restoring some semblance of his reputation.
Chapter 40
Chapter X
Saïd and his companions arrive in Beyrût, where Saïd feels uneasy about the foreign atmosphere. He meets his old friend Abdullah, who has become a man of some standing. Abdullah tells Saïd the story of how his wife and son were taken by a Christian, and how Saïd's name is mocked. Saïd lies about his own prosperity and plans to escape to England. He learns that the government will not let him leave, and he decides to swim to an English steamer, leaving Hasneh behind with Selìm.
Chapter 41
XI
Saïd, fleeing his homeland, swims out to an English steamer after evading soldiers' gunfire. He boards the ship, tells a tale of tyranny, and offers money for passage to London.
Chapter 42
XII
Saïd awakens on the steamer bound for England, reflecting on his daring escape and the uncertain future ahead. He checks his hidden money, feels a pang of homesickness as the ship departs, and endures a strange and distasteful breakfast. He befriends an Egyptian who helps him navigate the unfamiliar world of the Franks. When the ship stops at Nabuli, Saïd seizes the opportunity to escape and find another vessel to take him to Lûndra, the city of his dreams. He negotiates passage on a sailing ship, despite his distrust of the one-eyed captain.
Chapter 43
XIII
Saïd, having left the steamer, finds himself in a bleak, industrial English city, overwhelmed by the alien landscape and the hostility of its inhabitants. He is taken by a sailor to a tavern, where he is forced to drink alcohol against his will, deepening his sense of despair and alienation.
Chapter 44
XIV
Saïd awakens in a strange, dark room, suffering from a severe headache, sickness, and thirst. He discovers his money pouch has been stolen, plunging him into despair. A woman refuses him water and forces him out into the cold morning. He wanders aimlessly through an unfamiliar city, encountering hostility and alienation. He sees a scarlet tarbûsh and follows it, hoping to find a fellow Arab, but is disappointed. He experiences hallucinations and a sense of doom, eventually finding a moment of respite in a public garden. The chapter ends with him following a company of scarlet-clad soldiers, feeling a mix of attraction and horror.
Chapter 45
XV
Saïd, delirious in a London hospital, relives memories of his homeland and is haunted by visions of a silent, orderly mass. He is visited by a missionary who speaks Arabic, but Saïd remains unresponsive. As his physical strength returns, his mind remains lost, and the doctor declares him an idiot. The missionary arranges for Saïd to be sent back to the East, hoping familiar scenes might restore his sanity.
Chapter 46
XVI
Saïd, aboard a steamer, gradually regains awareness of his surroundings as the weather warms. He struggles to understand his past and identity, feeling alienated by his Frankish clothes. Upon arriving at a port city, he is overwhelmed by the familiar sights and sounds, but his joy turns to violence when a missionary tries to lead him away. He attacks the man and flees, running through the streets in a state of confusion and exhilaration until he collapses, where he is recognized by Selìm.
Chapter 47
XVII
Saïd, recovering from sunstroke, is cared for by Selìm's household, where he lives peacefully for months, spending days by palm trees. When civil unrest erupts, Selìm confines him, but Saïd escapes, dons the old robe, and joins a riot, leading the mob until he is shot down, becoming a martyr.
Chapter 48
Time Table to Part I
This chapter is a chronological table of historical events from the Hejra in 622 AD to the execution of Ahmed Pasha in 1860, providing context for the narrative that follows. It includes the flight of Muhammed, the conquest of Syria by Ibrahìm Pasha, the period of prosperity under enlightened government, the return of Syria to the Sultàn, the bombardment of Jedda, the Maronite attacks on the Drûz, the massacre of Damascus, and the execution of Ahmed Pasha.
Chapter 49
Time Table to Part II
This chapter is a timeline of key events from 1871 to 1882, marking Saïd's departure from Damascus and the historical events in Alexandria, culminating in Saïd's death during the riot.
Chapter 50
Glossary of Arab Expressions and Names of Places
This chapter is a glossary of Arabic terms and place names, providing definitions and explanations for words used throughout the book. It covers terms related to religion, social titles, geography, and cultural concepts, offering readers a reference to better understand the narrative.
Chapter 51
Endnotes
The endnotes provide historical and contextual annotations, including an anecdote about the exiled Khedive Ismaìl Pasha, explanations of Ottoman classifications and taxes, a prophecy about the fall of Islâm, and details about the Damascus massacre of 1860.
