Saïd the Fisherman · Chapter
XI explained
Saïd awakens at dawn in a khan, planning to sell his horse and find lodging.
What happens
Saïd awakens at dawn in a khan, planning to sell his horse and find lodging. He observes a young man rehearsing a legal speech before the Qadi, and learns of the city's political tensions, particularly the resentment toward Christians and the influence of Frankish consuls. Saïd's thoughts turn to greed and violence as he considers the wealth of the Christians. He pays his bill, leaves the khan, and rides through the bustling bazaars, marveling at the city's grandeur.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Moral Decline
Saïd's thoughts of slaying Christians are motivated by greed for their wealth and women, revealing his moral decline.
Religion and Superstition
The chapter highlights religious tensions between Muslims and Christians, with Saïd invoking Allah in violent rhetoric.
Characters to notice
- Saïd the Fisherman
Awakens in the khan, plans to sell his horse, observes the litigant's speech, and rides through the city, feeling both awe and greed.
- Selìm
The muleteer who guides Saïd and explains the Nazarene quarter and political tensions.
- The Qadi
Mentioned as the judge before whom the young man intends to present his speech.
Key passages
“It speaks with the mouth of the Quran, with the voice of an angel. It would melt the heart of the Chief of Mountains, by Allah!”
The servant praises the speech as divinely inspired and powerful enough to sway any authority.
The servant's hyperbolic praise underscores the importance of eloquent rhetoric in legal matters.
“It were a righteous deed to slay every dog of them and burn their quarter with fire.”
Saïd expresses a desire to kill all Christians and destroy their neighborhood, justified as a holy act.
Saïd's violent sentiment is rooted in religious prejudice and greed.