Said Mahran Passage Analysis

Chapter 6: Passage

To kill them both--Nabawiyya and Ilish--at the same time, would be a triumph. Even better would be to settle with Rauf Ilwan, too, then escape, go abroad if possible. But who'll look after Sana? The thorn in my side. You always act impulsively, Said, without thinking, but you mustn't rush this time; you must wait until you've arranged things, then swoop like an eagle. But there's no point in delay either: you're a hunted man--you became a hunted man as soon as they knew you were coming out--and now, after the car incident, the search will be intensified. Only a few pounds in the wallet of the factory owner's son--another stroke of bad luck. If you don't strike soon everything will collapse. Who'll look after Sana, though? That thorn again. She rejected me but I still love her. Should I spare your unfaithful mother for your sake, then? I must find the answer right away.

Analysis:

Analyse your selected passage and justify why that passage is a significant moment that contributes to the characterisation of Said Mahran. Your analysis must include an awareness of stylistic features and the effect on the reader. 

This passage allows the reader to see the full intentions behind Mahfouz's use of stream of consciousness narration. This passage reveals Said's ultimate inner conflict throughout the novel, that he seems to face in lieu of his previous mistakes. He feels a sense of injustice for the punishments he is meant to face for the crimes he once committed, despite the Robin Hood reasoning behind it. As a result, his actions throughout the novel are often fuelled with revenge, in which this passage perfectly encapsulates this. We are able to his the revengeful attitude in his wishing to kill all Nabawiyya, Ilish and Rauf Ilwan. 

The use of stream of consciousness narrative is what struck me most in this passage. The two sided argument we seem to see him experience effectively contributes and perhaps foreshadow his eventual downfall at the end of the novel. Sana, his achilles heel, always seem to be at the back of his mind fuelling his actions, making him fully aware of the repercussions of them as well. As readers, we are therefore able to see his ability to view his situation from a wider perspective, yet the lack of clarity or commitment he chooses to apply to his actions. 

Mahfouz's use of rhetorical questions in this passage show us the sense of confusion Said's feels in this situation. The effect on the reader would be a mirrored sense of confusion. As the text continues on, we find Said's actions to be rather sporadic, an intended understanding on Mahfouz's part as this further develops the complexities of Said's character. 

As a result of Mahfouz's use of these literary devices in this passage in the novel, Said is developed as a complex character with protruding attributes of a tragic hero.