Characterization of Said Mahran in Chapter 11

The following blog post focuses upon Said Mahran's flashback in chapter 11 (Pages 101 - 105). Within this chapter of the novel, Mahfouz expands upon Said’s background tale through the use of a flashback revolving around Said's parents lives and deaths as well as the introduction of Rauf Ilwan and how he became a significant figure in Said's criminal life.

Mahfouz deeply portrays the deaths of Said's parents through vivid and detailed descriptions and depictions to shift the audience's perspective of the cruel and corrupt character. He places this event within the novel in an attempt to portray the background and context behind the development of our protagonist. This is present in the line “There’s a lot of intelligence in his eyes. His heart is as spotless as yours. You’ll find he’ll turn out, with God’s will, a truly good man.”, whereby Sheikh Ali Al Junaydi compliments Said as a young child, using a simile to express the purity of his heart as well as convey the great intelligence he possessed. Furthermore, this passage contributes to Said's nature as a man who was destined for greatness and success, yet nonetheless, contrasts the true establishment of his destiny, creating sympathy within the readers towards Said. Furthermore, the quote “You almost died yourself during your mother’s illness,” uses amplification to create a solace tone in the narration, providing the readers with the impression that Said Mahran did once behold the quality of modesty.

Moreover, another significant factor which contributes to Said's character is his easily convinced personality and lack of clarity towards wrong and right deeds. As a result, this allows Mahfouz to blend his protagonist's identity with a charismatic yet misleading individual who he is greatly impressed by. In the quote “The fact is, I consider this theft perfectly justified. … however, convincing your motives, because he too, will be protecting himself. Isn’t it justice,” Rauf uses contrast in order to depict the myth between justice and theft, taking control of Said's young and tender mind. Thus, the addition of Rauf within this portrayal depicts, not only the importance the man had to Said's imprisonment, yet also shows that our protagonist is unable to think with a clear mentality in terms of distinguishing his loved ones from his traitors.

Overall, the passage allows the readers to understand Said's previously nurtured character and view how corruption swayed and influenced his purity, providing us with some context into his character.