Characterization Analysis

This Passage reveals Said’s interpretation of the actions he has committed in the novel so far, which creates an element of characterization of Said as he slowly descends into madness. This characterization through his inner monologue uses the literary technique of stream of consciousness, which taps into the protagonist's unfiltered thoughts. The significance of this scene to Said’s character is that his Hubris reaches a climax as he acquits himself of his crimes in a mock trial, as he can only see himself as justified in his path of revenge. 

Through the use of stream of consciousness Said addresses the mock hurry in his mind, with a question that the reader most likely also has at this point, “You must assert that the treachery has become a silent conspiracy”. As up until this point in the novel, Said has killed two innocent men on his path to vengeance, and we the reader hasn’t seen any critical reflection by Said on his actions. As such, Naguib utilizes the stream of consciousness to answer this question. “. Rauf Ilwan's servant was killed because, quite simply, he was the servant of Rauf Ilwan” this characterizes Said’s hubris. As Said sees that his actions are justified on the basis that it was off revenge. Preventing the character from having any form of an anagnorisis, making his coming downfall more a message for the flexibility of change for the current Egyptian context.  

This is furthermore explored through the use of imagery of a courtroom. “Yes, these words will glitter; they'll be crowned with a not-guilty verdict. You are sure of what you say. And apart from that, they will believe, deep down, that your profession is lawful, a profession of gentlemen at all times”. This furthers Said's inner conflict as he is driven more into madness. Additionally, it provides an element of characterization as the reader sees Said's delusion of his actions and his senseless flawed moral code backed by his belief in revenge. 

Lastly, Naguib uses a third person narration to further characterize Said’s Hubris. “Then the verdict came down: that he was a great man, truly great in every sense of the word. His greatness might be momentarily shrouded in black”. Naguib shows how Said has slowly descended into a state of madness. He sees himself as a great man for his actions which contradicts his actions of killing. Naguib comments on though he is somewhat morally justified for the actions of which he has committed, he is still lead down a tragic hero path for his inability to recognize his moral flaw.