Fate in TAD

Fate, a word that often carries a variety of meaning depending on the mindset of the thinker. In the case of Naguib Mahfouz’s The Thief and the Dogs is very uncertain as he often presents the abstract concept of fate is present by the use of context to depict and justify action and events. In regards to some of the main events like Said’s death. Because of his actions he was inevitably going to end in death, he knew deep down that there was no possible way to avoid punishment and he would eventually end in death as he wouldn’t be able to return to prison.

Mahfouz uses a unique concept of free will governed by fate, by this I mean the path seems clear as Said commits to crime but within the story Said feels as if he has no choice. When he does have the possibility of changing his goal in life with a shift from vengeance to spiritual enlightenment, he rejects it as he as an overwhelming urge to seek a conclusion to his past life, so much that he purposefully seeks out further aggressive acts. Mahfouz distinctly shows through the intentions of the characters their fate is sealed Rauf’s goal within the story is to further his wealth and estate. In response Rauf’s Fate is to be in direct conflict with Said no matter what choice he makes the intention polarizes his fate leaving him in constant danger.

Fate an idea presented in Mahfouz’s novel meaning a character’s action reflect their intention and the intention is what indicates and cements the fate which they will have. No matter the character they all have a path which is set for them while different options and possibilities even if they are taken unless the character has the intention for committing to it they will inevitably come back to the fate they were sealed to.