Sheikh Ali al-Junaydi

Within the novel The Thief and the Dogs , characters tend to extend beyond themselves into a much greater form of symbolism. Just as certain characters in the novel could be considered representations of particular social classes, the character of Sheikh Ali al-Junaydi also plays a certain role in the story.

The Sheikh acts as the soothing presence for the main character Said Mahran. After Said is rejected by his daughter Sana he seeks the company of the Sheikh who used to serve as the spiritual advisor for his father. The first words spoken by the Sheikh towards Said are “peace and God’s compassion be upon you,” which truly highlights the role of the Sheikh in the novel. The Sheikh is a reoccurring reminder and representation of an alternate path that Said could choose to take. Said is blinded by his self-destructive quest for revenge however, his encounters with the Sheikh convey to the reader another route that could have been possible for him. This alternate route offered by the Sheikh presents a form of redemption born from religion and worship. Regardless, Said is unable to accept the possibility of a different and brighter future and this ultimately results in his tragic downfall.

The Sheikh contributes to the characterization of Said Mahran by exposing a few of his weaknesses and flaws that will eventually bring about his end. Sheikh al-Junaydi is very wise and highly perceptive of Said’s situation. He observes that “[Said’s] burning heart yearns for shade, yet continues forward under the fire of the sun.” This simple observation highlights the destructive and irrational nature of Said’s quest for revenge while exposing his inability to move on as one of his key flaws.

In the novel, the main settings can be divided into open and closed places. They can also be categorized as places that have changed and places that remained the same during Said's time in prison. The Sheikh's house is categorized as both open and a place that has remain unchanged. As with other spaces designated as open, this is an environment where Said does not feel the threat and pressure of society. The Sheikh serves as a safe haven and refuge for Said as he escapes from the world he feels is out to get him. Furthermore, the Sheikh's house offers Said a simple connection to his past since it has not changed over time.  It is here that the readers learn a lot of the backstory surrounding Said and what set him on the path he is currently on within the story.

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Thesis Statements

Through Said's quest for  revenge within the novel , Mahfouz explores the definition of justice and its highly subjective nature through stream of consciousness narrative, thereby raising the question of who can be responsible for determining what is deemed as 'just'?

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The Tragic Hero

Fatal Flaw (Hamartia)

Said's fatal flaw is that he is unable to forgive all those who he feels have wronged him in some way. As with all tragic heroes, Said's fatal flaw is what ultimately leads him to demise as he begins a rapid downward spiral. His quest for revenge is unstoppable as Said actively makes his situation worse. This insatiable thirst for revenge is evident directly from chapter 1 as Said's inner monologue revealed that "The hour was coming when he would confront them, when his rage would explode and burn, when those who had betrayed him would despair unto death, when treachery would pay for what it had done." Had he simply forgiven or at least moved on from Illish and Nabawiyya, his dark fate could have easily been avoided. 

Displays of Excess Pride (Hubris)

Throughout the novel, Said holds firm to the belief that he is always right no matter what. However, as we've discussed in class this perception of reality is most likely highly skewed. Said is always quick to critique others however, he is unable to find fault in himself or his own actions. This becomes evident in his discussion when he asks Rauf, "Hasn't your conscience bothered you even in the dark?" He's quick to judge Rauf without taking into consideration the fact that he's been a thief his entire life and is plotting to murder a man. Furthermore, he only blames others for his downfall without examining his own role in it. 

Reversal of Fortune (Peripeteia)

Within the novel, there are many events that could be considered the turning point for Said. However, I believe that the point of no return occurred when Said commits his first murder. In the eyes of Said, "[His] life was finished, spent to no purpose; he was a hunted man and would be to the end of his days." From this point onward, Said's misfortune increases rapidly as he continues down the dark road of revenge.

Recognition of Fault and Role in Downfall (Anagnorisis)

In this aspect Said actually deviates from the archetypal structure of the tale of the tragic hero. Normally, a tragic hero eventually experiences an epiphany in which they realize that their downfall is ultimately their own fault. However, Said never realizes that everything that has happened to him was due to his never-ending quest for vengeance. He dies still believing that all the unfortunate events in his life have been a result of the actions of others or simply some twisted form of fate.  

Fate (Nemesis)

From a certain perspective it could truly be argued that Said'd fate is quite fair in comparison to the pain he inflicted on others as he ended up murdering two innocent people. Typical tragic heroes are often introduced as highly respectable and noble characters. However, Mahfouz begins the novel by making it clear that Said is certainly not on any pedestal. For this reason its hard to convince the reader that his fate was truly greater than what was deserved. 

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