# Love and Obsession in Saïd the Fisherman

> Theme guide for Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

Saïd's obsessive desire for a Christian girl drives him to reckless actions, while his relationship with his wife Hasneh shows a more patient, enduring form of love that he neglects.

## Where it surfaces

- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xviii): Saïd's immediate and intense infatuation with Yuhanna's daughter, described as a 'sick for love' and a 'hunger' in his eyes, drives his willingness to participate in Mustafa's vengeful scheme.
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xx): Saïd's all-consuming desire for Yuhanna's daughter drives his actions, leading him to spy on her and await a riot to abduct her.
- [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxiii): Saïd's actions are driven by his obsessive love for Ferideh, leading him to risk his life to save her.
- [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxvi): Saïd's obsession with the girl (Yuhanna's daughter) drives him to seek her despite Nûr's warnings, and Nûr's promise to tame her for him highlights the possessive nature of his desire.
- [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxviii): Saïd's longing for Hasneh and his plans for a future with her contrast with his earlier abandonment, showing a mix of affection and possessiveness.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/iii): Hasneh's obsessive love for Saïd drives her to try and ruin Ferideh, while Saïd's care for Ferideh is shown as he tends to her wound. The jealousy and rivalry between the women highlight the theme of obsessive love.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/iv): Saïd's passion for Ferideh is described as growing with the years, fueled by a sense of mystery and something withheld, illustrating an obsessive love.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/viii): Ferideh's devotion and Saïd's obsessive guarding of his wealth highlight the intertwining of love and obsession.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/themes/love_and_obsession
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/themes