# XXIV explained — Saïd the Fisherman

> Chapter companion for Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## What happens

Mustafa returns to Nûr's vault in a frenzied state, having killed Yuhanna. He chants praises to Allah and his left hand, recounting the murder. Nûr tries to calm him and feed him, but he is delirious. Saïd arrives with news that the authorities are searching for them and that Christian refugees and Drûz warriors are gathering in the city, promising a great slaughter the next day. Saïd rouses Mustafa by invoking the faith of Muhammed, and the old man's fervor returns as he prepares to join the coming battle.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence and Chaos

The chapter is steeped in violence, from Mustafa's murder of Yuhanna to the anticipation of a great slaughter. The chaos of the uprising is palpable in the characters' actions and dialogue.

### Religion and Superstition

Mustafa's chants and justifications for killing are framed in religious terms, invoking Allah and the faith of Muhammed. The narrative shows how religion is intertwined with the violence and the characters' motivations.

### Madness and Delirium

Mustafa's mental state is a central focus, as he oscillates between frenzied excitement and feeble collapse. His madness is both a result of and a catalyst for the surrounding violence.

## Character check-ins

### Old Mustafa

Returns to Nûr's vault in a state of madness after killing Yuhanna, chanting praises and recounting the murder. He is weakened and delirious but is roused by Saïd's call to battle.

### Nûr

Tends to Mustafa, trying to calm him and feed him. She expresses concern for his health and warns of his overwrought state.

### Saïd the Fisherman

Returns with news of the search for them and the gathering of Drûz and Christian forces. He rouses Mustafa by invoking the faith of Muhammed and preparing for the next day's slaughter.

### Ferideh

Is upstairs in Nûr's house, moaning and lamenting after being frightened by Saïd's violence. Nûr warns she is a 'tigress' and must be watched.

### Yuhanna the Christian

Is slain by Mustafa, who describes the killing in detail. His death is a central event in this chapter.

## Key lines

> Allah is bountiful! I slew him! O glorious left hand!

Mustafa praises God and his own left hand for killing Yuhanna.

_Mustafa's chant reveals his pride and religious fervor in the act of killing._

> The fat who dwell in palaces must reckon with the lean beggar at their gates.

The wealthy and powerful must answer to the poor and destitute.

_Mustafa frames his violence as a form of class revenge against the privileged._

> The wrath of Islâm burns like a great fire to consume the infidels.

The anger of the Muslim community is like a fire that will destroy non-believers.

_Saïd uses religious rhetoric to incite Mustafa and justify the coming violence._

## Links

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