Chapter 15 further explores some of the themes brought up in previous chapters.
Revenge/betrayal- Revenge has driven the plot and is Said’s motivation for killing others. This theme is closely tied to the theme about justice.
Justice- The idea of justice is important in driving the plot and as an idea. Through the trial held in Said’s mind, it is seen that justice may not be achieved in a typical court or manner. Justice to Said is the death of those that had betrayed him and he looks to the graves as his judges. Justice in this novel cannot be explored as a clear guilty and not guilty manner. Said is developed to be guilty whilst still gaining the support of readers. Justice is twisted in the novel, being manipulated and manipulating the characters.
Justice is Said’s excuse for killing and at the same time, a force that compels him to get back something for their betrayal. As he is using justice as an excuse, the idea of justice is manipulating him to kill. This idea also brings forth the next theme about killing being forgivable.
Law- Societal law is important as can be seen by Said holding a trial in his mind. Even though his idea of the law may be distorted, Said can still be seen to believe that the law has power. Another idea raised is if a person can be above the law. “Will they not forgive the gun its error, when it is their most elevated master?” (p.257) In this case, Said is questioning the law and pondering if some can be considered above the law as it is held in high regard.
Guilt by association-“Rauf Ilwan’s servant was killed because, quite simply, he was the servant of Rauf Ilwan” (p.256) Said justified the death and killing of the doorkeeper by using the excuse that he was killed because he was working for Rauf. Said was not guilty of the doorkeeper’s death as he was killed as a result of being associated with Rauf.
Fate- “Its fury was blessed by the force that flowed through the roots of plants, the cells of animal, and the hearts of man” (p.257) Said believes that he will be judged as a great man. Nature and life have blessed him and he is fated to be regarded as a great man regardless of whether he dies or not.
