Saïd the Fisherman · Chapter
II explained
Saïd, ruined by the theft of his savings, seeks counsel from his friend Abdullah, who advises him to leave the country to escape the evil spirit that haunts him.
What happens
Saïd, ruined by the theft of his savings, seeks counsel from his friend Abdullah, who advises him to leave the country to escape the evil spirit that haunts him. Abdullah's wife gives Saïd a few coins, and Saïd returns home to find Hasneh cooking, which revives his hope.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Luck
Saïd's misfortune is attributed to an evil spirit, and his hope is revived by a small act of kindness, showing the role of fate and luck in his life.
Betrayal and Trust
Saïd's trust in Abdullah is evident, but there is a hint of betrayal as Abdullah's voice was used to deceive Hasneh, and Abdullah's alibi may be suspect.
Characters to notice
- Saïd the Fisherman
Distraught over his stolen savings, seeks advice from Abdullah, and returns home to find hope in Hasneh's cooking.
- Abdullah abu Azìz
Saïd's friend and partner, who advises him to leave the country, and gives him a small sum of money.
- Nesibeh
Abdullah's wife, who confirms his alibi and gives Saïd the few coins from their savings.
- Hasneh
Saïd's wife, who was deceived by the voice of Abdullah and is now cooking, reviving Saïd's hope.
Key passages
“A devil has a spite against thee—that is known. He has entered thy house once, he will enter it again.”
An evil spirit is targeting you, and it will return to your home.
Abdullah explains Saïd's misfortune as the work of a devil.
“It is a shame to ask my brother to accept so little!”
I'm embarrassed to offer you such a small amount.
Abdullah expresses regret at the small sum he can give Saïd.