# XIV explained — Saïd the Fisherman

> Chapter companion for Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## What happens

Saïd, having lost his wealth, laments his ruin in a garden by the river. His servant Selìm tries to console him, recounting his failed attempts to recover the stolen money. Selìm proposes they become partners in a muleteer business, and after initial resistance, Saïd agrees. They go to a tavern where Saïd is moved by a love song, recalling his past. Later, they meet Habìb ebn Nasr, who tells of a generous old man, Ismaìl Abbâs, who paid his fine. Saïd learns of this potential benefactor and plans to seek him out at the great mosque.

## Themes in this chapter

### Greed and Moral Decline

Saïd's despair over his lost wealth and his willingness to seek help from a stranger highlight the theme of material loss and moral compromise.

### Fate and Luck

Saïd's misfortune and the sudden appearance of a potential benefactor (Ismaìl Abbâs) reflect the role of fate and chance in his life.

## Character check-ins

### Saïd the Fisherman

Grieves over his lost wealth, initially rejects Selìm's proposal but eventually agrees to become partners.

### Selìm

Tries to console Saïd, suggests a partnership in a muleteer business, and arranges a meal at the tavern.

### Habìb ebn Nasr

Shares his story of being saved from prison by a generous old man, Ismaìl Abbâs.

### Ismaìl Abbâs

Mentioned as the generous Sherìf who paid Habìb's fine; Saïd hopes to seek his help.

## Key lines

> Woe is me! … Allah have mercy! … I am ruined! … all my wealth is gone!

Saïd laments his total financial ruin, crying out for divine mercy.

_Expresses Saïd's immediate reaction to his loss._

> It shall be as thou desirest.

Saïd agrees to Selìm's proposal for partnership.

_Shows Saïd's reluctant acceptance of his new circumstances._

> His name is Ismaìl Abbâs—a Sherìf, of the kindred of the Prophet—that was all he told me.

Habìb reveals the name of his benefactor, a noble descendant of the Prophet.

_Introduces a potential source of help for Saïd._

## Links

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