# Hasneh — Saïd the Fisherman character guide

> Hasneh in Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** O Hasneh

**First appearance:** 0001-i

## Snapshot

Saïd's wife, confined to a chamber for attacking Ferideh, whose weeping pierces her husband's dreams and whose patient devotion survives his coldness.

## Who they are

Hasneh endures durance in Saïd's household, permitted out only to work, and begs endlessly for a single minute of her lord's attention. Her distress is the one discordant note in his self-satisfied happiness, and though he vows to treat her better, he never quite does. During Ramadan she crouches beside him with tender eyes, grateful for a glance or a word, even of anger.

## Relationships

### [Saïd the Fisherman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/said_the_fisherman)

_family_

Hasneh is Saïd's wife, deeply devoted to him and their family despite his struggles.

### [Ferideh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/ferideh)

_family_

Ferideh and Hasneh have a mother-daughter relationship, with Ferideh often seeking independence from her mother's traditional ways.

### [Saïd the Fisherman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/said_the_fisherman)

_family_

Hasneh is Saïd's wife, deeply devoted to him and their family despite his struggles.

### [Ferideh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/ferideh)

_family_

Ferideh and Hasneh have a mother-daughter relationship, with Ferideh often seeking independence from her mother's traditional ways.

### [Saïd the Fisherman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/said_the_fisherman)

_family_

Hasneh is Saïd's wife, deeply devoted to him and their family despite his struggles.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/i)

Saïd's wife, who is wailing over burnt lentils when Saïd returns home. She is the target of his anger and is left to keep watch while he goes to the city.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/ii)

Saïd's wife, who was deceived by the voice of Abdullah and is now cooking, reviving Saïd's hope.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/iii)

Hasneh prepares the donkey and bundle for departure, following Saïd as they flee.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/iv)

Accompanies Saïd, gathers oranges thrown at them, and waits at the threshold.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/v)

Follows Saïd obediently, carrying their belongings and providing oranges when he is thirsty.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/vi)

Left behind by Saïd, she is asleep and unaware of his departure.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/ix)

Mentioned as someone Saïd feels ashamed to face after his flight.

### [The Arrival at the Great City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/x)

Saïd longs for her presence, wishing he had her with him.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xiii)

Mentioned as Saïd's wife, whom he considers supplementing.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxviii)

Found at the khan after being abandoned and mistreated; joyfully reunites with Saïd and shares his wealth.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned in Saïd's memories of his past life.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/iii)

Hasneh is determined to expose Ferideh's secret to Saïd, believing it will restore her position. She is arrogant and exultant, but her plan is thwarted when Ferideh attacks her. She is left heartbroken and humiliated.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/iv)

Hasneh is the subject of Ferideh's accusations, portrayed as a jealous and potentially dangerous figure plotting against Ferideh and her child.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/viii)

Hasneh is confined and weeping, her distress a discordant note in Saïd's happiness.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/ix)

Hasneh remains loyal to Saïd, caring for him during his fast and providing for his needs.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/x)

Saïd sees her as a burden, plans to leave her with Selìm.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xv)

Appears in Saïd's vision of the silent host.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xvii)

Accompanies Saïd to his favorite spot, cares for him during confinement.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/hasneh
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters