Said visits his former mentor Rauf Ilwan, who is now a prominent writer for the Al-Zahra, but decides Rauf’s office “in Maarif Square” (p. 171) “isn’t a suitable place for reunion of old friends” (p. 172). He thinks “Rauf won’t be able to behave naturally [there]”. Instead, Said waits for Rauf outside his lavish home, “villa number 18” (p. 172). Said wonders “…what [has] become of the Rauf Ilwan he’d known?” (p. 171); Rauf’s apparent successes may have corrupted his former self. Said can sense the superficiality in their meeting. Rauf seems to welcome Said out of obligation, not courtesy. The two argue over a suitable job for Said and social class issues. He offends Rauf, Said leaves with no job, no hope in his former mentor, and a mere ten pounds in his wallet.
Chapter Three – Plot Development
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