"He felt a boundless confidence and pride in this answer but later had acknowledged that his treatment actually had changed, although he had tried to keep anyone from detecting his hidden intention to change" (Mahfouz 285). We feel a sense of regret and compassion coming from Ahmad in this chapter. Mahfouz puts this paragraph here, after the arguement between him and his son, Yasim, because he wants us to slightly see the parternal side in Ahmad.
The way Mahfouz has dialog from only Ahmad in this chapter allows you to get into Ahmad's head and truly understand how he feels. Ahmad mentions that he reacted upon anger; trying to justify his actions. Ahmad's attitude and deffensive tone allows the reader to comprehend that Ahmad does love his children and that he didn't want to hurt Yasim. Mahfouz illustrates Ahmad's affection by having him look back at his past. He is recreating the emotions and moments that Ahmad went through. It shows that Ahmad has a passionate side and feelings.
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I do agree with you Marissa. Ahmad is the voice of the household and his intentions or actions may not always imply that he has emotions. Yet, in this paragraph it shows how much he feels for his family just like in pg. 194. He has compassion and love towards his family, but when it come to his honor or pride he feels convinced that by giving in to emotions, he would fall, his household will fall apart and he'll show weakness among society. Even though he's harsh and strict, he is still human and, as we see throughout the novel, he deals with a lot, but always is willing to forgive and show love towards his family.
ReplyDeleteI agree, and later into the book we see more of Ahmad's affection for his family when Ahmad says, "My heart wishes to forgive him, but I'm afraid he'll think then that it's okay to disobey me." This occurs after Fahmy refused to swear to an oath. This proves your argument of Ahmad's passionate side and that he really does love his children, but it brings how he also tries to uphold a certain image of not being seen as weak.
ReplyDeleteThis is all very true. It's easier to put a great amount of emphasis on Ahmad this moment. For the soul fact that his emotions aren't necessarily shown or stated. We're constantly left to make inferences from the text we read about him. Though we see him as the dependent head of the household, we see a caring side of him through this passage. Though he tries to hold his position in his household, he hasn't lost sight of his paternal role in the house.
ReplyDeleteGood comments here. Nick, how about giving us a page number?
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