# How does Saïd the Fisherman develop the theme of Social Class and Ambition?

> Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall

## Answer

Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall develops Social Class and Ambition across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

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.

## Evidence

- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/i.md): 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.
- [v](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/v.md): 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.
- [vii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/vii.md): 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.
- [ix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/ix.md): 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.
- [x](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/x.md): Saïd's fine robe and horse grant him respect, and he plans to sell his horse to sustain himself, reflecting class dynamics.
- [xii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xii.md): Saïd's discomfort among the wealthy and his attempt to appear as a man of consequence highlight his ambition and the social hierarchies of the city.
- [xiii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xiii.md): Saïd's rise in status is marked by hiring a servant and buying a new robe, while Selìm's position as a servant highlights class distinctions.
- [xv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xv.md): Saïd's attempt to climb socially by begging from the Sherìf contrasts with Selìm's humble loyalty, highlighting class distinctions and the pursuit of status.

## Links

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