Saïd the Fisherman · Chapter
XII explained
Saïd, now in the great city, attends a horse market with Selìm, who advises him on how to sell his horse.
What happens
Saïd, now in the great city, attends a horse market with Selìm, who advises him on how to sell his horse. Saïd observes a noble old Drûze sheykh with a magnificent black stallion. Two Franks mock Saïd's robe, and a Turkish officer questions him about it. Saïd, embarrassed, invents a story about the robe being a trick, claiming to be a man of consequence from a distant city.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Saïd's discomfort among the wealthy and his attempt to appear as a man of consequence highlight his ambition and the social hierarchies of the city.
Identity and Alienation
Saïd's foreign robe marks him as an outsider, and his lie about his background underscores his struggle with his identity in an unfamiliar environment.
Characters to notice
- Saïd the Fisherman
At the horse market, feeling out of place among high company, he is mocked for his robe and tries to save face with a lie.
- Selìm
Acts as Saïd's servant, advising him on selling the horse and pointing out the old Drûze sheykh.
- Durzi
An old Drûze sheykh with a fine black stallion, admired by Saïd and Selìm.
- The Franks
Two Europeans who mock Saïd's robe and laugh at him.
- The officer
A Turkish officer who questions Saïd about his robe, leading to Saïd's embarrassed explanation.
Key passages
“The advice seeming good to Saïd, he alighted and gave the rope-bridle into the hand of his follower.”
Saïd thought Selìm's plan was wise, so he got off the horse and handed the reins to Selìm.
Shows Saïd's trust in Selìm's market savvy.
“It is easier for the servant to raise the price than for the master.”
A servant can negotiate a higher price more easily than the owner himself.
Reflects the social dynamics of bargaining.
“By the Quran he is the finest old man I ever saw.”
Selìm swears by the Quran that the old Drûze is the most impressive elder he has ever seen.
High praise for the Durzi's appearance.