# The Plot explained — The Shaving of Shagpat

> Chapter companion for The Shaving of Shagpat by George Meredith.

## What happens

Shibli Bagarag devises a complex plot involving Feshnavat and Baba Mustapha to undermine Shagpat, while Noorna bin Noorka is tasked with a crucial role. The chapter emphasizes the need for guile and careful planning over brute force, as Shibli orchestrates a series of events leading to a confrontation in the King's hall.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Guile

The entire chapter revolves around Shibli's intricate plot, using deception and guile to overcome Shagpat and Karaz.

### The Heroic Journey and Self-Discovery

Shibli demonstrates growth by learning from past failures and planning carefully, embodying the hero's journey.

## Character check-ins

### Shibli Bagarag

Devises the plot and instructs Feshnavat and the genii, emphasizing the need for subtlety and guile.

### Noorna bin Noorka

Discusses the plot with Shibli, agrees to appear as Shagpat's bride to rescue her father, and is transported to the city by the genii.

### Feshnavat

Receives instructions from Shibli to induce Baba Mustapha to attempt shaving Shagpat, then to challenge Shagpat in the King's hall.

### Baba Mustapha

Shibli's uncle, a gabbler, who is to be brought to the city and tricked into attempting to shave Shagpat.

### Shagpat

The target of the plot, visible from afar, and whose head is to be shaved.

### Genie Karaz

Mentioned as a genie of craft and resources, distilling oil by the Putrid Sea, and a potential obstacle to the plot.

## Key lines

> Hast thou forgotten Karaz in thy calculations? I know of a surety what this Sword will do, and I wot the oil he distilleth strengtheneth Shagpat but against common blades.

Shibli reminds Feshnavat that Karaz's oil strengthens Shagpat against ordinary swords, so they cannot rely solely on the Sword.

_Shibli explains why a direct attack is insufficient._

> Persist, if thou wouldst truly reach thine ends, For failures oft are but advising friends.

Failures are valuable lessons that guide you toward success.

_Shibli quotes a poet to justify allowing Baba Mustapha's inevitable failure._

> To master an Event, Study men! The minutes are well spent Only then.

Understanding people is essential to controlling events.

_Shibli emphasizes the importance of studying human nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_shaving_of_shagpat_se/chapters/the-plot
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_shaving_of_shagpat_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_shaving_of_shagpat_se/chapters