Saïd the Fisherman · Chapter
XX explained
Saïd spends his days idly between Nûr's cellar and Abu Khalìl's tavern, consumed by his obsession with Yuhanna's daughter.
What happens
Saïd spends his days idly between Nûr's cellar and Abu Khalìl's tavern, consumed by his obsession with Yuhanna's daughter. He watches her secretly, while Nûr and Mustafa encourage his passion, foreseeing a riot that will allow him to abduct her. Tensions rise in the city as rumors of violence between Drûz and Christians spread, and Mustafa incites a crowd, clashing with a lawyer who urges peace. Saïd helps Mustafa escape, and they return to Nûr's cellar, where Mustafa exclaims that the time has come.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
Saïd's all-consuming desire for Yuhanna's daughter drives his actions, leading him to spy on her and await a riot to abduct her.
Violence and Chaos
The chapter builds toward communal violence, with Mustafa inciting a crowd and the lawyer's futile plea for peace.
Betrayal and Trust
Saïd avoids Selìm out of shame, and the lawyer's threat to denounce Mustafa underscores the fragile trust amid sectarian strife.
Characters to notice
- Saïd the Fisherman
Obsessed with Yuhanna's daughter, he spies on her daily, shuns Selìm, and assists Mustafa in the growing unrest.
- Nûr
The old woman who shelters Saïd, soothes his ravings, and hints at a coming riot that will enable his desires.
- Old Mustafa
Rejoices in Saïd's longing, fosters it for his revenge, and incites a crowd against Christians, clashing with a lawyer.
- Abu Khalìl
The fat taverner who likes Saïd, plies him with parables, and constantly berates his son Camr-ud-dìn.
- Camr-ud-dìn
Abu Khalìl's son, resentful of Saïd being held up as an example, and burdened with constant work.
- Selìm
Saïd's former partner, glimpsed in the streets but avoided by Saïd out of shame.
- Yuhanna the Christian
The wealthy Nazarene merchant whose daughter Saïd obsesses over; his house is the object of Saïd's daily visits.
Key passages
“He would have rejoiced to know him happy and doing well, but was ashamed to meet him face to face.”
Saïd wished Selìm well but felt too embarrassed to confront him.
Reflects Saïd's guilt and avoidance of his past.
“The old woman listened kindly to his ravings, and soothed him with hints of hope, bidding him have but a little patience and he should be satisfied.”
Nûr comforted Saïd, promising that his desires would be fulfilled if he waited.
Nûr's role as a confidante and instigator.
“A little more—a feather, it must give way, and then Allah knew what would happen!”
The situation was on the brink of exploding into chaos.
Foreshadows the impending riot.
“He used her reverently yet fondly, as the desire of his soul.”
Saïd treated Nûr with exaggerated affection and respect.
Highlights Saïd's performative devotion.