# XIX explained — Saïd the Fisherman

> Chapter companion for Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## What happens

In a tavern, Saïd listens to tales of jinn and serpents while Mustafa, the old beggar, speaks of blood and vengeance. A lawyer delivers a fiery speech against Christians and Franks, stirring anti-Christian sentiment. Mustafa, enraged, vows to kill all non-believers, while Abu Khalìl observes the pair with envy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Superstition

The tavern tales of jinn and serpents, alongside the lawyer's religious rhetoric, highlight the blend of faith and folklore.

### Violence and Chaos

Mustafa's vow to kill all non-believers and the lawyer's call to rise against the heathen reflect the potential for communal violence.

## Character check-ins

### Saïd the Fisherman

Present in the tavern, enjoying the stories and feeling reassured by Mustafa's attention.

### Old Mustafa

The beggar who speaks of blood and vengeance, and later vows to kill all non-believers.

### Abu Khalìl

The fat taverner who observes Saïd and Mustafa, envying their relationship.

### Camr-ud-dìn

Mentioned as having cursed his father's religion, causing Abu Khalìl's indignation.

## Key lines

> I am with thee, effendi! Whenever the cry of the Faith is raised, Mustafa will be ready! I will spare none of them!

Mustafa declares his readiness to join any holy war and kill all enemies of the faith.

_Shows Mustafa's fanaticism and alignment with the lawyer's anti-Christian rhetoric._

> These Christians wax rich. They multiply beyond measure while our numbers dwindle by reason of the thousands of our young men who are slain in war.

The lawyer complains that Christians are growing wealthy and numerous while Muslims suffer losses in war.

_Highlights the economic and demographic anxieties fueling religious tensions._

## Links

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