No new themes are introduced here. There is a sense of fate in the foreshadowing at the beginning of the chapter (p266) and when Said anticipates his death in the line “Not on the face of this earth” (p.267).
Chapter Seventeen – Themes
February 7, 2009Chapter Seventeen – Characterisation
February 7, 2009Said’s “confidence in everything” has gone (p.266). He is tired, hungry and running out of ideas. Once again his conversation with the Sheikh provides no answers and he puffs “in exasperation” at the Sheikh’s remarks, concluding, ironically, that “the Sheikh will always find something appropriate to say.” (p.269). He thinks about Nur and hopes that “good luck will protect [her] if [she finds] neither justice nor mercy.”(p.269). But he is also absorbed with having forgotten the uniform. However, part of his obsession may be also to protect Nur.
The Sheikh once again is a source of enigmatic spiritual comments which both the reader and Said find difficult to understand. He provides a calm opposition to Said’s troubled state of mind and perhaps provides a sense of the calm before the storm of the final chapter. He does show emotion on two occasions. On page 269 there is a sense of melancholy and in recognition of Said’s father he sighs sadly.
Chapter Seventeen – Imagery and Symbols
February 7, 2009The uniform is seen as a symbol of said’s connection to Nur as she provided the material. It also represents the fear of capture as he knows that the police dogs will be able to pick up his scent from it.
Chapter Seventeen – Sense of Place
February 7, 2009By this time we have become familiar with two of key settings in the novel – the Sheikh’s house and Tarzan’s café. The latter no longer represents a place of safety.
Chapter Seventeen – Plot
February 7, 2009This represents the beginning of the end for Said as he knows the police are closing in on him. He seeks refuge and food in the Sheikh’s house. He has another frustrating conversation with the Sheikh. He realizes he has left the uniform at Nur’s house and will have no peace until he retrieves it.
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