The Shaving of Shagpat · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Shaving of Shagpat by George Meredith.

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Chapter 1
The Thwackings
Shibli Bagarag, nephew of Baba Mustapha, arrives at the city of Shagpat in a state of hunger and despair. He is approached by an old woman who prophesies that he is destined to shave Shagpat, the clothier, and thus achieve greatness. After she vanishes, Shibli enters the city and encounters a procession led by the King and his Vizier. The Vizier, Feshnavat, recognizes Shibli as a barber and reveals his own enmity toward Shagpat, enlisting Shibli's help. The Vizier then introduces Shibli to his daughter, Noorna bin Noorka, who appears transformed and youthful, resembling the legendary Bhanavar the Beautiful. Shibli narrates the story of Bhanavar at their request.
Chapter 2
And This Is the Story of Bhanavar the Beautiful
This chapter tells the tale of Bhanavar the Beautiful, a damsel betrothed to a comely youth. One night by a lake, they witness a mysterious light that is revealed to be a Jewel in the head of the Serpent of the Lake. Consumed by desire for the Jewel, Bhanavar persuades her betrothed to obtain it for her, despite his warnings of doom. He agrees, and they part. Later, Bhanavar is captured by mountain warriors and taken by ship, separated from her beloved Ruark.
Chapter 3
The Betrothal
Shibli Bagarag is formally betrothed to Noorna bin Noorka under the supervision of her father, Vizier Feshnavat. Noorna reveals that Shagpat holds the entire city under enchantment through a single hair in his head, and that Shibli is destined to shave Shagpat. The betrothal contract binds Shibli by three bonds: vengeance, ambition, and love. Noorna hints at her own enchanted state and promises that time will reveal her true form.
Chapter 4
And This Is the Punishment of Shahpesh, the Persian, on Khipil, the Builder
King Shahpesh punishes his negligent builder Khipil by forcing him to sit on an imaginary throne, fall into a gap, present nettles as flowers, and endure other ironic torments, teaching a lesson against idleness and garrulity.
Chapter 5
The Genie Karaz
Shibli Bagarag impatiently declares he will shave Shagpat that very night, but Noorna and Feshnavat explain the immense difficulty of the task, detailing three chief obstacles: the illusions of Rabesqurat, the Chief of Identicals, and the need for a magical blade. Noorna reveals the existence of the Sword of Events in Aklis, which alone can overcome Shagpat's defenses. She then summons the genie Karaz, whom she holds in bondage, and after a tense confrontation forces him to take the shape of an ass to serve as their mount.

The Thwackings

And This Is the Story of Bhanavar the Beautiful

The Betrothal

And This Is the Punishment of Shahpesh, the Persian, on Khipil, the Builder

The Genie Karaz