VI: The Convert explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Appearance

  Fenzileh's manipulation of Asad through insinuation and feigned ignorance.

• Honor and Betrayal

  Jasper Leigh's pledge of loyalty and Fenzileh's betrayal of trust.

• Cultural and Religious Conflict

  Jasper Leigh's conversion to Islam and the tension between Christian and Muslim identities.

Characters to notice

• Sakr-el-Bahr

  Accepts Jasper Leigh's conversion and service, warning him of consequences for disloyalty.

• Jasper Leigh

  Converts to Islam and pledges loyalty to Sakr-el-Bahr, moved by clemency.

• Fenzileh

  Jealous of Sakr-el-Bahr's success, manipulates Asad by questioning the voyage's true purpose.

• Marzak

  Reports Othmani's tale to his mother Fenzileh, who berates him for inaction.

• Asad-ed-Din

  Confronted by Fenzileh's insinuations, begins to doubt Sakr-el-Bahr.

Key passages

• “You would become a renegade like me?”

  Sakr-el-Bahr asks Jasper Leigh if he is willing to abandon his faith.

  Sakr-el-Bahr's bitter question highlights the moral ambiguity of conversion.

• “I ha' been thinking that 'renegade' is a word that depends upon which side you're on.”

  Jasper Leigh argues that the label 'renegade' is subjective.

  Leigh rationalizes his conversion as a matter of perspective.

• “It is most singularly odd that he should have undertaken that long voyage to England to wrest thence just those two captives;”

  Fenzileh finds it suspicious that Sakr-el-Bahr sailed to England only for two captives.

  Fenzileh plants doubt about Sakr-el-Bahr's motives.

• “I will not speak, said she. Thou wilt not? Now, by the Head of Allah! dost dare to stand before my face and defy me, thy Lord?”

  Asad threatens Fenzileh with punishment if she refuses to speak.

  Asad's authority is challenged by Fenzileh's defiance.