Saïd the Fisherman · Chapter
XXI explained
The city is in turmoil as news of the Drûz-Maronite conflict spreads.
What happens
The city is in turmoil as news of the Drûz-Maronite conflict spreads. Saïd encounters his old friend Selìm, who has risen in the world and now serves in the Governor's household. Selìm warns of the Wâly's weakness and the release of the Christian Jurji, which incites Muslim mobs. Saïd joins a mob that desecrates crosses and is eventually arrested for his part in the unrest. Old Mustafa, the beggar, witnesses Saïd's arrest and laments, then hurries to Nûr's vault for counsel.
Themes in this chapter
Violence and Chaos
The chapter depicts mob violence, religious hatred, and the breakdown of order in the city.
Religion and Superstition
The mob's actions, such as desecrating crosses and cursing Christians, highlight religious fervor and sectarian animosity.
Identity and Alienation
Saïd's involvement in the mob and his arrest reflect his shifting identity and alienation from the Christian community he once sought to join.
Characters to notice
- Saïd the Fisherman
Walks to Yuhanna's house, meets Selìm, joins the mob, and is arrested for cursing the Christians.
- Selìm
Now a servant in the Governor's household, he shares news of the Wâly's anxieties and the Jurji affair.
- Old Mustafa
The old beggar who cries out when Saïd is arrested, calling him his son, and later goes to Nûr for counsel.
- Nûr
Mentioned as the old woman whose cellar Selìm visited and where Mustafa goes for counsel.
- Yuhanna the Christian
His house is the destination of Saïd's walk, and his door is shut against the mob.
Key passages
“The excitement of the vulgar is a gossip who must chatter or die.”
The common people's excitement spreads like gossip, unable to stay silent.
Describes the contagious nature of the city's unrest.
“It is not true, what is commonly told of them, that they worship a calf in secret places.”
The rumor that the Drûz secretly worship a calf is false.
Reflects the Muslim community's defense of the Drûz as fellow believers.
“He is a great general of renown, but he loves study better than government.”
The Wâly is a famous general but prefers scholarly pursuits to ruling.
Selìm's assessment of the Wâly's character.