# XXVIII explained — Saïd the Fisherman

> Chapter companion for Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## What happens

Saïd, burdened by his stolen treasure, flees the city in terror, haunted by supernatural fears and guilt. He seeks refuge in a khan, where he dreams of judgment and Mustafa's fate. Awakening, he encounters a caravan and discovers Hasneh, who had been abandoned and mistreated. He reunites with her, shares his wealth, and plans a future together, while reflecting on his past and the chaos in the city.

## Themes in this chapter

### Greed and Moral Decline

Saïd's obsession with the treasure brings him terror and guilt, yet he cannot part with it, showing the corrupting influence of wealth.

### Religion and Superstition

Saïd's night is filled with supernatural fears and jinn, while his dream reflects religious judgment and the counting of deeds.

### Love and Obsession

Saïd's longing for Hasneh and his plans for a future with her contrast with his earlier abandonment, showing a mix of affection and possessiveness.

## Character check-ins

### Saïd the Fisherman

Flees the city with stolen treasure, plagued by fear and hallucinations; reunites with Hasneh and plans a new life.

### Hasneh

Found at the khan after being abandoned and mistreated; joyfully reunites with Saïd and shares his wealth.

### Old Mustafa

Appears in Saïd's dream, being judged for his deeds; his death and burial weigh on Saïd's conscience.

### Ferideh

Mentioned as the daughter of the slain Christian; Saïd plans for her to serve Hasneh.

### Farûn

Referenced in the story of Hasneh's mistreatment; his brother cared for her, but Farûn's return changed the situation.

## Key lines

> That was a ghastly night for Saïd—a night full of strange faces, of awful whisperings, and of the shadow of death.

Saïd experienced a terrifying night filled with eerie visions and the constant presence of death.

_Sets the tone for the chapter, highlighting Saïd's psychological torment._

> In his despair he thought lovingly of Hasneh. Why—oh, why had he cast her off?

Saïd regretted abandoning Hasneh and longed for her comfort.

_Reveals Saïd's guilt and emotional vulnerability._

> He would have given the half of this treasure which was killing him for a touch of her hand, for the sound of her voice.

Saïd was willing to trade half his wealth for a moment with Hasneh.

_Emphasizes the conflict between his greed and his emotional needs._

> The horror of it was not new to him. He had experienced it before many times, but could not remember when or under what circumstances.

Saïd had felt this terror before, though he couldn't recall the exact instances.

_Suggests a recurring pattern of fear and superstition in Saïd's life._

> By Allah, he is a devil! He had no care for this woman, for it seems she is barren.

The men at the khan called Saïd a devil, noting his lack of concern for Hasneh because she was barren.

_Reflects the community's view of Saïd and the social stigma of barrenness._

## Links

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