Saïd the Fisherman · Chapter
VII explained
Saïd travels to the house of a Frankish missionary, hoping to receive money.
What happens
Saïd travels to the house of a Frankish missionary, hoping to receive money. He is turned away by the negro servant, waits, and then sneaks into the house while the missionary is away. He admires the furnishings, tries on the missionary's robe and fez, and contemplates stealing them, but is interrupted.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Saïd's desire to enter the great city in triumph rather than beggary, and his envy of the missionary's possessions, highlight his ambition to rise above his station.
Identity and Alienation
Saïd's attempt to adopt the missionary's clothing reflects his search for a new identity, while his shaven head and old garments mark him as an outsider.
Characters to notice
- Saïd the Fisherman
Saïd seeks the missionary's bounty, is rebuffed, and then trespasses in the house, trying on the Frank's clothes.
- The servant
The negro servant, Cassim, guards the missionary's house and drives Saïd away.
- Cassim
The negro servant is named Cassim by the missionary.
- The Franks
The Frankish missionary is mentioned as the object of Saïd's hopes.
Key passages
“With what he hoped to obtain from the preacher he would enter the great city in triumph instead of beggary.”
He expected the preacher's gift to let him enter the city as a success, not a beggar.
Shows Saïd's hope and ambition.
“The city called him with a siren’s voice. There, in the vast bustling hive, were wondrous chances for a young man and a strong who had nothing to lose.”
The city attracted him irresistibly, offering opportunities for a strong young man with nothing to lose.
Reflects his longing for the city and his sense of opportunity.