Social Class and Ambition

Saïd's rise from a poor fisherman to a wealthy merchant, and his subsequent fall, illustrates the precarious nature of social mobility and the corrupting influence of ambition.

Saïd dreams of rising from a poor fisherman to a coffeehouse owner, then to Effendi, Bey, and Emir, illustrating his desire to climb the social ladder.

Saïd's insistence on his former greatness and his rivalry with the beggar over who was more wealthy underscores the importance of social status and the pain of losing it.

Saïd's desire to enter the great city in triumph rather than beggary, and his envy of the missionary's possessions, highlight his ambition to rise above his station.

Saïd's obsession with appearing as a great man, his pride in his borrowed robe, and his disdain for the villagers and innkeeper highlight the theme of social climbing and the performance of status.