Monday 1 February 2016

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.

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