The Shaving of Shagpat · Chapter
The Burning of the Identical explained
In the great hall, the King and people of Shagpat engage in a ritual of abasement before Shagpat.
What happens
In the great hall, the King and people of Shagpat engage in a ritual of abasement before Shagpat. Baba Mustapha is brought forth to attempt shaving Shagpat again, but the arrival of three kings from Oolb, Gaf, and Shiraz interrupts. When Baba Mustapha finally attempts the shave, the Identical rises up burning, hurling him back. Kadza calls for the wise woman Noorna, but she is nowhere to be found.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality
The ritual abasement and the supposed inviolacy of Shagpat are contrasted with the actual power of the Identical, which burns and hurls Baba Mustapha.
The Absurdity of Social Rituals
The King and people engage in a prolonged, theatrical abasement ceremony, with each person trying to outdo the others in howling and wailing, highlighting the absurdity of such rituals.
Characters to notice
- Shagpat
Sits serene on his throne of cushions, smiling behind the lathers, as the Identical rises burning when Baba Mustapha attempts to shave him.
- Baba Mustapha
Forced to attempt shaving Shagpat again; he is terrified, delays, and is hurled back when the Identical rises.
- Noorna bin Noorka
Kneels beside Kadza and shrieks loudest during the abasement; later prompts Kadza to speak to the King, but disappears before Kadza can find her.
- Kadza
The espoused of Shagpat; prompted by Noorna, she intercedes with the King to let Baba Mustapha try to shave Shagpat, and later exclaims about the wise woman.
- King Shahpushan
King of Shiraz, one of the three visiting kings; recognizes Baba Mustapha as a barber who once operated on his head.
- Kresnuk
King of Gaf, one of the three visiting kings; recalls Baba Mustapha coming to his court and talking his Vizier into a dead sleep.
Key passages
“Behold! in abasement voluntarily undertaken there is exceeding brightness and exaltation; for how is the sun a sun save that daily he dippeth in darkness, to rise again freshly majestic?”
Voluntary humiliation leads to great honor, just as the sun sets into darkness only to rise again in majesty.
The King justifies the ritual abasement by comparing it to the sun's daily cycle.
“The abyss is worth a leap, however wide, When life, sweet life, is on the other side.”
Taking a great risk is worthwhile if it means saving one's life.
Baba Mustapha recalls this poet's words to steel himself for the attempt on Shagpat.