Chapter 12 – Characterization
In Chapter 12, we are not introduced to any new character. In Chapter 12, Said’s obstacles are laid out before him. The progress in the plot develops a sense of danger and anxiety for Said as authorities are now searching for him as if he were the first criminal. Said’s accomplices are now limited to only Nur and Tarzan. However, Tarzan’s café is no longer safe as mentioned in this chapter. These obstacles Said now faces are due to the newspapers that are distributed around Cairo. The newspapers are produced by Rauf, Said’s mentor. This sparks an indisputable anger that is carried on to the next chapters. The betrayal Said feels is characterized by Rauf’s actions. Said directs all the issues that are raised to Rauf, blaming him. To Said, to end the obstacles, he must kill Rauf. Said’s betrayal is seen mostly on page 239, where he is seen reminiscing on his life with Rauf as his mentor. We feel sympathy for Said as he reaches a desperation in which he pleads, “Rauf Ilwan, tell me how it is that time can bring such terrible changes to people!” Here, the blame is set on time and how it has evolved through the years of Said’s life. This confusion, anger, and lust for vengeance is seen in Chapter 12, as it foreshadows upcoming events in the next chapters.
March 2, 2009 at 3:28 am
As opposed to earlier chapters, we are introduced to the Rauf Ilwan of the past.
Said’s interior monologue goes into detail of how he was initially attracted to all Rauf stood for
“Your stirring voice, pitching itself downward toward my ears as I sat at my father’s feet in the courtywad of the building, with a force to awaken the very soul… Yes, there was a strange power in you that I found nowhere else, not even in Sheikh Ali al-Junaydi.” (p.239)
Nur’s affection and care towards Said is highlighted again as she asks “Why didn’t you get some sleep?’ Nur said, peering closely at his tired face” and “It must be torture to wait in the dark’ she said, feeling sorry for him” (p. 241)