This chapter encompasses already established themes and raises several new ones. Here they are stated with a few brief comments.
Changing times – The use of question marks expresses Said’s uncertainty and unknowingness in the new times. “What was it that had happened in the world?” (p. 170)
“And now you’ve come out of prison to find a new world.” (p. 177)
Society moved on; Said got left behind. His manners and speech remained static, while Rauf, Nabawiyya, and Sana progressed in life. “… things are no longer what they used to be… Now the situation has changed. If you go back to burglary you’ll be a thief and nothing else.” (p. 179)
Truth is not constant could be a subtheme of this umbrella topic. Ten years ago, before Said’s incarceration, it may have been okay to steal from the rich and give to the poor, but commonly accepted truths change as time passes. If one does not conform to this new sense of truth, he or she will be considered an outsider. In Said’s case, his refusal to satisfy this new norm and get a regular job might be the cause of his eventual demise. If it was acceptable to seek vengeance ten years ago, it is certainly not tolerable now.
Betrayal and treachery – Rauf was “the most important thing [Said had] left in this insecure world” (p. 171) and he betrayed him. “…only a shadow of the old self remained.” (p. 176)
When is wrong right? – Is it acceptable for Said to steal from the rich or those who Rauf deemed as deserving of being robbed? Is theft acceptable as a means of closing the social gap (stealing from the rich, giving to the poor)?
Compromise of self for money and power – “I never used to look at a villa like this except when I was making plans to break into it. Is there any hope in finding friendship in such a place now?” (p. 172)
Vengeance worthwhile? – “That’s how you feel now. But tomorrow, who knows how you’ll feel? You’ll change your opinion of your own accord. That’s the way of the world.” (p. 176)
Prison doesn’t change a man – It is evident that Said still assumes a thief mentality. When he reached the Zahra Offices, “…his first thought was that [they] would be very difficult to break into.” (p. 171) “The rows of cars surrounding it were like guards around a prison…” This quote underlines the building’s impenetrability. (p. 171)
The author’s use of diction also has criminal connotations. “… he slipped into the secretary’s office before an attendant had time to intercept him…” (p. 171) Said’s movements are discrete like a burglar’s. Also, “… stealing occasional glances at the objets d’art” (p. 174)
Honour among thieves – Said is portrayed as the protagonist, the story is told from his point of view, we can identify and sympathize with him. “Will he have changed, like you, Nabawiyya? Will he disown me, as Sana has done?” (p. 172) There is no denying Said’s hardship, and the reader can’t help but feel sorry for him. His stealing from the rich can in some respects be seen as noble, an almost Robin Hood-like gesture.
The influence of the past on the present – “My past hasn’t yet allowed me to consider the future.” (p. 178 )
Tags: Betrayal, Change, Honour Among Thieves, Past and Present, Themes, Vengeance, Wrong/Right?
