# Social Class and Ambition in Saïd the Fisherman

> Theme guide for Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/i): 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): 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): 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): 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.
- [The Arrival at the Great City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/x): 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): 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): 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): 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.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xvi): Saïd's discontent with his lowly trade and his longing for the 'cup of greatness' highlight his ambition to rise above his current social standing.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/ii): Saïd's desire to acquire Mahmud's house symbolizes his ambition to rise in social status, despite his humble origins.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/ix): Saïd's fall from wealth and status is central, as he is shunned by former acquaintances and struggles with the loss of his former grandeur.

## Links

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