The Shaving of Shagpat · Chapter
The Dish of Pomegranate Grain explained
Kadza, spouse of Shagpat, has a dream of danger to Shagpat and summons the genie Karaz, who scolds her for disturbing him.
What happens
Kadza, spouse of Shagpat, has a dream of danger to Shagpat and summons the genie Karaz, who scolds her for disturbing him. Meanwhile, Noorna bin Noorka and her father Feshnavat discuss the impending shaving of Shagpat, with Feshnavat expressing fear and doubt. Noorna reassures him and prepares to witness the event. The chapter ends with the people of the city clamoring for the sacrifice of Baba Mustapha after his attempt to shave Shagpat.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Guile
Kadza's dream and the summoning of Karaz involve hidden plots and manipulation to protect Shagpat.
The Absurdity of Social Rituals
The city's uproar over the shaving of Shagpat and the clamor for Baba Mustapha's sacrifice highlight the absurdity of the social and religious fervor surrounding Shagpat.
The Nature of Power and Authority
The power dynamics between Kadza, Karaz, Feshnavat, Noorna, and the King illustrate the struggle for control and the fear of losing authority.
Characters to notice
- Kadza
Spouse of Shagpat; she has a dream of danger to Shagpat and summons the genie Karaz.
- Genie Karaz
Summoned by Kadza; he is angered by being disturbed from his labor to strengthen Shagpat.
- Noorna bin Noorka
Discusses the impending shaving with her father Feshnavat; she reassures him and prepares to witness the event.
- Feshnavat
Vizier and father of Noorna; he expresses fear and doubt about the undertaking.
- Shagpat
The idol of the city; he is brought to the palace in a lather after Baba Mustapha's attempt to shave him.
- Baba Mustapha
The barber who attempted to shave Shagpat; the people clamor for his sacrifice.
- Shibli Bagarag
Betrothed to Noorna; mentioned as the one who will wield the Sword in the shaving.
- Luloo
Fair slave-girl of Noorna; she denies being in league with Karaz and expresses loyalty.
Key passages
“A woman's at the core of every plot man plotteth, And like an ill-reared fruit, first at the core it rotteth.”
Women are often at the center of men's schemes, and like a poorly grown fruit, they spoil from the inside first.
Karaz uses this saying to comment on Kadza's involvement in the plot.
“The strongest weapon one can see In mortal hands is constancy.”
The most powerful tool a person can have is steadfastness.
Noorna uses this distich to encourage her father to remain resolute.
“Oft may the fall of fools make wise men moan! Too often hangs the house on one loose stone!”
The mistakes of fools often cause wise men to grieve, and a single weak point can bring down an entire structure.
Feshnavat quotes this to express his fear that Shibli's failure could ruin everything.