# XXIII explained — Saïd the Fisherman

> Chapter companion for Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## What happens

Saïd, driven by love, rescues Ferideh from the mob that attacks her father's house. Mustafa kills Yuhanna and reveals his plan to hide the treasure. Saïd brings the unconscious Ferideh to Nûr's house, where Nûr agrees to tend her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence and Chaos

The riot and murder of Yuhanna illustrate the destructive power of mob violence and religious hatred.

### Love and Obsession

Saïd's actions are driven by his obsessive love for Ferideh, leading him to risk his life to save her.

## Character check-ins

### Saïd the Fisherman

Rescues Ferideh from the mob, carries her to Nûr's house, and is overwhelmed by his love for her.

### Ferideh

The Christian girl whose father is killed; she faints and is taken by Saïd to safety.

### Old Mustafa

Leads the mob, kills Yuhanna, and reveals his plan to hide the treasure.

### Nûr

The old woman who welcomes Saïd and Ferideh, agrees to tend Ferideh, and takes malicious joy in Saïd's distress.

### Yuhanna the Christian

Ferideh's father, killed by Mustafa during the riot.

## Key lines

> She is sweet—a pearl!—a darling!

Nûr exclaims that Ferideh is beautiful and precious.

_Nûr's reaction to seeing Ferideh._

> I suffer with thee, O my beloved!

Saïd tells Ferideh that he feels her pain.

_Saïd's attempt to comfort Ferideh._

> I slew him—with this knife I slew him.

Mustafa boasts that he killed Yuhanna with his knife.

_Mustafa's confession of the murder._

## Links

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