# XX explained — Saïd the Fisherman

> Chapter companion for Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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