# XII explained — Saïd the Fisherman

> Chapter companion for Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters