Plot Development

Said is obsessed with exacting his revenge. He returns to Nabawiyya and Ilish’s apartment, kills ‘Ilish’ then runs away, leaving behind a screaming ‘Nabawiyya’ (p. 202). 

Imagery/Symbolism

This chapter consists of diabolic imagery, present when Said declares that “there was hellfire for [Ilish and Nabawiyya] both…” (p. 201). Then, when he kills ‘Ilish’, a simile is used as the shot of the gun “roared like a demon in the night” (p. 202). Said then repetitively proclaims, “I’m the devil himself!” (p. 203). As you can see, the diction used (i.e. “devil” and “demon”) emphasizes a sinister element to Said.

Dark imagery is also abundant. Several times, Said describes his surroundings as “pitch-dark” or having “darkness”. This chapter finishes with Said’s interior monologue when he decrees with a powerful conviction: “Darkness must extend from now on to all eternity.” (p. 203). The ‘darkness extending’ emulates the revenge that possesses him. Moreover, the use of dark imagery can also be seen as a foreshadowing. Darkness, more often than not, clouds the senses of a person; whereas light usually represents warmth, life, and birth, darkness symbolizes chaos and blindness. The latter being particularly interesting as it could suggest an error when Said exacted his revenge.

Animal imagery is evident in this chapter but not as a major element. During one of his interior monologues, Said states, “you can scale an apartment building in seconds, jump unhurt from a third-floor window—even fly if you wish!” (p. 201). There are some similarities between this extract and in chapter one when Said describes himself as, “a man who can dive like a fish, fly like a hawk, scale walls like a rat…” (p. 152). Even without a direct mention of the animals in the first quote, it triggers the notion of the second excerpt. As both phrases are not direct repetitions of one other, the quote from page 201 is considered an echo. This particular employment of animal imagery reminds the reader of Said’s arrogance and tendency to placing himself on a pedestal. His conceit is exemplified when, in page 201, he negatively portrays the population of the community as ignorant, rodent-like creatures, “…and no one seemed to be looking for him…every creature took shelter, blind and unsuspecting, in his hole.” 

Characterization

This chapter focuses mainly on Said’s development.

His pretentiousness and inflated ego are palpable in page 203: “I’ve granted you life, thanks to Sana, but I’ve enclosed you in a punishment greater than death…”  He entertains the notion of being able to dictate whether or not a person should live or die, all at his own convenience. The diction used—“granted”—stresses this particular element of his character.

Another echo appears, carrying much of the same effect as the aforementioned echo: “If you don’t strike soon everything will collapse.” (p. 200). This is similar to the expression in the first chapter, “strike like Fate.” The repetition of this particular device emphasizes the significance of how Said perceives himself. Whether he is aware of it or not, his arrogance is unambiguous.

Internal conflict is prominent. In the beginning of the chapter, he refers to Sana as a “thorn in [his] side” (p. 200). However, he claims to still love her even after her rejection. Then, to further highlight his perturbation, he ends that specific section of his interior monologue with several rhetorical questions, “Who’ll look after Sana, though? […] Should I spare your unfaithful mother for your sake, then?” (p. 200). The subsequent use of paradox and irony maintains the idea of internal conflict.

“Treachery is abominable, Ilish, and for the living to enjoy life it is imperative that criminal and vicious elements be eradicated.” (p. 201) is a paradox. For one to recognize how to “enjoy life”, treachery and other such tribulations should exist otherwise people would not be able to distinguish and identify such a life. Claiming this makes Said’s situation ironic as he refers to himself as the “devil” in pages 202 and 203. The devil is the tempter of humankind, one who invites the committing of immoralities. This highlights his mental instability and conflicting emotions. In the next chapter, when we discover that Said did not kill Ilish but another man, it suggests an unstable mind and unhealthy obsession when Said is convinced in this chapter that the voices he heard were Nabawiyya and Ilish’s—“A man’s voice…Ilish Sidra’s”, “A woman shrieked…Nabawiyya’s voice.” (p. 202). However, his mentality is not so far gone that he is incapable of proper, logical thought. “Should I spare your unfaithful mother for your sake, then?” (p. 200) shows a contemplative process and, in page 202, the quote “He’s had the idea in the car on the way here and now he came back to it.” (p. 202) demonstrates some plotting on his part.

Akin to the rest of the novel, Said entertains his thoughts through use of interior monologue which usually possesses a motivational tone. The extract in page 203 is no different when Said exclaims, “You are now one of those who commit murder; you have a new identity now and a new destiny! You used to take precious goods—now you take worthless lives!” This excerpt contains a dark and sadistic pride.  The use of exclamation points adds to the passion with which Said feels it. His conceited nature arises once again when he speaks of “worthless lives”. Who is he to judge the value of another person’s existence? Said seems to be intentionally ignorant of his actual crime and criminal occupation truly entail, instead, deeming himself a ‘Robin Hood’-type figure. He tries to justify his actions as something that would be for the betterment of the entire community and continues to remain oblivious possibly because, on a subconscious level, he wants to preserve as much of his humanity as he can. Who wants to admit how monstrous one is or has become? This idea juxtaposes his earlier enthusiasm when claiming “[he] was the devil himself!” (p. 202).  However, Said could be referring to the devil’s omnipotence and duty to hand out death rather than it being the source of all evil. This suggests his distorted view and refusal to accept the entire picture, focusing on the aspect that is most beneficial for him.

Said seems to feel no remorse when he murders ‘Ilish’. His only concern lies in the pending elimination of Rauf and where he can take refuge for the night. But then we find out that “He felt numbness, then some sort of pain, as if in reaction to the great nervous effort.” (p. 203), Said could simply be ignorant of his guilt giving evidence of what is left of his humanity. At this stage, the readers’ feelings are rather complex in that Said’s character both attracts pity—because they see a man who has fallen so far—and repels it as his actions may be considered too extreme. 

Themes

Treachery – This is an important element of the novel as it drives Said to commit murder. “Treachery is abominable, Ilish…” (p. 201), “For treachery, Mr. Rauf, is an abomination.” (p. 201), whoever had crossed his path and been treacherous enough to betray him, Said was devoted to killing.

Obsession – Said is driven by his obsession for exacting vengeance. “As long as I live you’ll never enjoy the taste of peace.” (p. 203) Some may identify this as a hyperbole, but there is a certainty to it—sustained by the relatively short length of the sentence and the reader’s current understanding of Said at this stage of the book—that allows one to realize that he sincerely means what he says, regardless of how maniacal it may sound.

Fate/Destiny – “… you have a new identity now and a new destiny!” (p. 203), “If you don’t strike soon…” (p. 200)  

A sense of place

Said was “on foot in the pitch-darkness surrounding the house at the crossroads where two lanes met in Imam Way.” (p. 201). “Shops were closed, the road was deserted…” (p. 201). This suggests a cold, fearful quality to Said’s character. A lot of reference is made to the darkness of the setting which could emphasize Said’s unwillingness to change and forgive. Moreover, the darkness could also be viewed as inescapable for Said, especially with the path he has chosen. This ties in with the idea of destiny.