In the previous chapters, the audience gains the notion that the storyline might take place in a developing nation, quite possibly within an Arab nation, with the imagery of overcrowded places, as well as the character of the Sheik. Since sheiks are known as spiritual leaders in Arab nations, then the audience can assume that it takes place in this region. Another valuable piece of information to make this inference is by the name of the author himself. However, my chapter enforces this fact that the story does take in place in a developing nation, Egypt. This is proven because some of Said’s actions take place near a famous body of water, the Nile River. With the imagery of the overcrowded suburbs, comes the assumption that the novel takes place in a large city, such as Cairo. Another important landmark is the Abbas Bridge (pg. 182), which could suggest that the story takes place in Egypt’s capital.
Furthermore, the readers also gain a sense of culture, with the introduction of the palace of the wealthy man, Rauf Ilwan. The home is adorned with “doors made of wood in arabesque designs, its upper panel inlaid with an inscription, probably a proverb or a Koranic verse.” (pg. 185)
