Chapter 12 – Imagery
Imagery is not abundant in Chapter 12. The first use of this literary technique is on page 238, when Said replies to Nur, “For the storm to blow over.” This emphasizes the character of the society and the outside world as cold, strong, and in for destruction. However, this also emphasizes that there is an after of the storm and that there is a calm. The idea of the “storm” is seen again further down the page. On page 239, the character of a “national hero of [Said]” is created. Here Said is using imagery to attach attributes such as invincibility and strength to his character. Also on the same page, the quote “Rauf Ilwan would never rest until the noose was around his neck”. The noose imagery is used to represent death and murder for Rauf. The noose is known as the hangman’s halter that tightens around the neck as the rope is pulled to suffocate. “Your stirring voice, [stretching yourself] downward toward my ears as I sat at my father’s feet in the courtyard of the building, with a force to awake the very soul” on page 239, describes how Rauf was to Said before Rauf’s job as a paparazzi for the newspaper. This use of imagery describes the strength Rauf had over Said. The “force” Rauf has represents the power his words contained that awoke Said’s soul. As in many chapters prior, animal imagery is dominant. The animal imagery begins on page 240, with the quote “You’d roar with delighted laughter at my success.” Here, Said describes his fanfare by Rauf as that of a roar from a lion. Further down the page is the quote, “The day you were imprisoned you rose up in my eyes to the very sky, higher still when you protected me the first time..” This emphasizes the characteristics of an eagle or a hawk representing Rauf and his protective qualities that effect Said. The last use of animal imagery is seen on age 241, where the common reference to a ‘dog’ is seen. “They do have an instinctive dislike for dogs.” This describes the Egyptians’ preference towards dogs. The character of dogs in this novel, however, display attributes of a thief and antagonist that are frowned upon. However, like her relationship with Said, Nur “like[s] dogs.” This emphasizes her love for Said.
