Sheik al Junaydi in The Thief and The Dogs

What does Sheik al Junaydi represent in The Thief and the Dogs? How is he significant to the characterization of Said Mahran? How does he contribute to the themes of the text?

Naguib Mhfouz's "The Thief and the Dogs" is a work of Arabic fiction that is accompanied by many characters. As previously mentioned in other blog posts, the novel centers around the main protagonist, Said Mahran, who is the driving force behind the plot and the revealing actions that take place. Through the combination of Said's internal monologues and external occurrences, we are introduced to other essential characters in the novel, all of whom play a role in the character development of Said. Throughout the novel, the character of Sheik al Junaydi plays a significant role in decontextualising the characterization of Said Mahran, as he puts his emotions into words, and contributes to creating a better understanding of the psychological state of the character.

Throughout the novel, Sheik al Junaydi plays a minor character, but yet manages to provide an an in depth perspective onto the character of Said Mahran. As the plot revolves around the way Said's internal monologues carry it out, the insight of another character provides the readers with a unique literary lens. “Said rested his head with its short, wiry hair on his dark, thin hand”. The character of the Sheik is wise, spiritual, and respectable as he appears to be a valued definition of purity. In contrast to Said's character, the Sheik can be viewed as one that FOILS Said. 

Example from text: 

Sheik al Junaydi's sense of moral wisdom and justice further presents his character as one that is quite respectable and provides the key to answers that Said may be searching for. His wise words tell Said that "the world is unaware of him who is unaware of it", another example on how the Sheik puts Said's emotions into words. As it is highlighted that Said is on a quest for revenge, the Sheik tells him to "leave revenge" and turn the other cheek, to turn to god. This only further supports the worthiness of the Sheik and the truth in his words. As it is discovered later on in the novel, Said choses to continue on the path of revenge and fails to conform to the Sheik's words of wisdom. Furthermore, this provides a more in depth perspective from the reader and the way in which they view Said. Additionally, it allows the reader to question the protagonist's morals and gain a sense of clarity when justifying his actions. 

The Sheikh highly contributes to the themes of fate vs free will as his character examines where both themes clash and results in the fall of a tragic hero. When Said first meets with the Sheikh, he is certain that he is destined for revenge against those who have done him wrong and betrayed him. Considering the wise words of the Sheikh and Said's negative response to them, Said is further characterized as a stubborn and angry character who is trapped in his own version of reality. 

In conclusion, the characterization of Said Mahran is presented through a unique lens through the character of Sheikh al Junaydi. Mahfouz's use of indirect characterization through the use of using both characters as a foil to each other, where their conflicting qualities meet in the middle and are used to unravel certain key aspects of the character's deepest qualities. Hence, it can be said that the character of Sheikh al Junaydi not only characterizes Said's character, but also highly contributes to many driving themes of the text such as fate and free will. His inability to break through to Said's deepest inner monologues failed Said in the end as he is faced with the faults of a tragic hero. 

Practical Work - FATE AND FREE WILL

Write a detailed explanation why someone should never allow what they perceive as fate to dominate their decision making

The definition of fate has never been truly written down or set in stone for one to read and consider. Furthermore, when one decides to venture into the unknown, their expectations of the outcome should be left aside. When one has endured betrayal and heartbreak to the same extent as Said, the ultimate goal for revenge is a general state of mind. To elaborate on this, as Said is released from prison after 4 years, he believes that his path for revenge and to seek justice is clear and considered to be fate. Like any tragic hero, Said’s ultimate goal fails him in the end as he meets his final demise when the tables of fortune turn. So what went wrong?

Perceiving fate as a reason to make rash decisions further proves that what one has their mindset on doing will never truly be the resulting outcome. When read with an analytical lens, themes just as justice are portrayed through Said’s inability to accept change. For example, when he is re acquainted with Rauf for the first time after his imprisonment, his old friend’s success and adjustment to a “new future” serves as a significant shock and game changer for Said as he remains stuck in the past, unwilling to accept what his new start could lead to. It is this clear-cut vision of fate that drives his revengeful state of mind and eventually leads him to his demise.

Writing Thesis Statements

Throughout Mahfouz's "The Thief and the Dogs", Mahfouz further enhances the purpose of Said's character by portraying his character as a tragic hero. The protagonists' inner monologues allow  the reader to explore the complexity of justice and betrayal within the novel while acknowledging the cultural context. 

Said as a Tragic Hero

What is Said's tragic flaw?

Throughout "The Thief and the Dogs", Said's inability to acknowledge his own flaws fails him. To elaborate on this point, Said's fatal flaw appears to be his unwillingness to forgive those who have done him wrong and his unwillingness to move forward and let go of the past. As all tragic heroes do, their demise is met ironically. Said's long awaited quest for revenge fails him when he meets his own demise. His angry and troubled personality is evident throughout the first chapter as Said's inner monologues reveal his personal thoughts that guides the reader throughout the novel. 

How does he display excessive pride?

As Said is fueled with a troubled reality, he is quick to critique those around him but is unable to recognize fault in himself and his presents life. A prominent example of this is evident when Said is re-acquainted with Rauf for the first time since his release. Rauf's newly found success angers Said as he is unable to accept change. 

When is his reversal of fortunes?

When we are first introduced to Said, he is presented as a thief that seeks revenge for his betrayal; one that the readers can't help but feel sympathy for. As his character's emotional journeys are revealed through his inner monologues, there are many events throughout the novel that could be considered as moments of "reversal" of his fortunes. For example, when Said commits his first murder. From this point onwards, Said's trail of fortune is reversed and rapidly continues to lead him into a final downward spiral.