Once released from prison, Said sets out on a quest for revenge? What other systems of meaning does Said reject in favor of vengeance? Examine at least three different alternatives presented to Said in the novel.

Said refers to the people who betrayed him as dogs, and calls himself a tiger or lion several times in the novel. Examine Mahfouz’s use of animal imagery to communicate moral implications, real or imagined.

How do the newspapers' portrayals of Said's crimes feed into his delusions? What does Mahfouz suggest about the role of news media in shaping society and morality? Cite at least three examples from the text.