Fate and Luck

Where it surfaces

• Part I: The Book of His Luck

  The chapter title 'The Book of His Luck' directly introduces the theme of fate and luck as central to the narrative.

• I

  Saïd's fortune changes in an instant when the horsemen scatter his money, and his subsequent search yields only a fraction, showing the role of chance in his life.

• II

  Saïd's misfortune is attributed to an evil spirit, and his hope is revived by a small act of kindness, showing the role of fate and luck in his life.

• III

  Saïd's fortune turns as he recovers his lost coins, but his fate is sealed by Abdullah's warning, forcing him to flee.

• XIV

  Saïd's misfortune and the sudden appearance of a potential benefactor (Ismaìl Abbâs) reflect the role of fate and chance in his life.

• VIII

  Saïd's sudden ruin, losing his wealth, wife, and son in one night, underscores the capriciousness of fate.

• IX

  Saïd's misfortune is seen as a turn of fate, with his efforts to recover his wealth proving futile, and his salvation coming from an unexpected encounter with Ismaìl Abbâs.

• XI

  Saïd's narrow escape from the soldiers and his successful swim to the steamer hinge on luck and divine providence.

• XII

  Saïd's fortune in finding a new ship and his distrust of the one-eyed captain reflect the role of chance and suspicion in his journey.

• XIV

  Saïd's misfortune of losing his money and his subsequent wandering reflect a sense of being at the mercy of fate.

• XV

  The mysterious, silent army in Saïd's visions suggests an inexorable force controlling his destiny, and his fate is now in the hands of others.

• Time Table to Part II

  Saïd's death in the riot is presented as a fateful outcome of his journey, underscoring the role of chance in his life.