Midaq Alley

“We know all the stories you tell by heart and we don’t need to run through them again. People today don’t want a poet. They keep asking me for a radio and there’s one over there being installed now. So go away and leave us alone and may God provide for you.”

In this quote, Kirsha explains his decision to replace the old poet with a radio is definitive. Kirsha justifies his decision by appealing to the changing tastes of his customers, who are supposedly bored of listening to the old man’s tales and songs. The theme of change and modernization appears from Chapter 1 onward and is a central element in the novel.

“The girl took no notice of what Umm Hamida said. She had now finished plaiting her hair and she took a small mirror from her pocket and propped it up on the back of the sofa. She then stood in front of it, bending down slightly to see her reflection. In a wondering voice, she said, ‘Oh what a shame, Hamida. What are you doing living in this alley? And why should your mother be this woman who can’t tell the difference between dust and gold dust?’”

This passage uses juxtaposition to highlight the characters’ contrasting perspectives and circumstances. Hamida’s situation as a resident of the alley is in juxtaposition with her hopes and dreams, just as the symbolic juxtaposition between gold and gold dust. Hamida’s actions of plaiting her hair and using a mirror signify her vanity and material aspirations. At the same time, the small mirror also reflects the reality of Hamida’s humble condition.

“Abbas was gentle, good-natured, and inclined toward peace, tolerance, and kindness. He was content to fill his leisure time with card playing and idle gossip with his friends at the café. He avoided participation in quarrels and all unpleasantness by waving both aside with a smile and a kind word for the contestants. He conscientiously performed the prayers and fasted and never missed Friday prayers in the mosque of Hussain.”

This direct characterization presents Abbas as a peaceful and kind person, establishing his personality traits. Indirect characterization reflects his easygoing nature, as well as passivity, lack of ambition, and laziness. These traits paint Abbas as a young product of Midaq Alley. His death at the hands of British soldiers signifies the conflict between the world of Midaq Alley and the modern, colonial forces at play. In the struggle between the two, the most vulnerable loses everything.

“She was by nature strong, and this strength had never once deserted her. Sometimes her eyes revealed this inner strength; some thought it detracted from her beauty, others that it enhanced it. She was constantly beset by a desire to fight and conquer. This she showed in her pleasure in attracting men and also in her efforts to dominate her mother.”

This quote describes Hamida’s character beyond her physical traits. Her inner strength and spirited nature drive her to seek a life outside of Midaq Alley. Because these traits are not balanced out by wisdom or knowledge, Hamida makes questionable decisions. However, Hamida’s inner strength and desire to conquer keep her fighting for a better situation.

“Hamida continued on her way, enjoying her daily promenade and looking in the shop windows, one after the other. The luxurious clothes stirred in her greedy and ambitious mind bewitching dreams of power and influence. Anyone could have told her that her yearning for power centered on her love for money. She was convinced that it was the magic key to the entire world. All she knew about herself was that she dreamed constantly of wealth, of riches which would bring her every luxury her heart had ever desired.”

By presenting Hamida’s internal contemplations as she takes her daily promenade and gazes at shop windows, Mahfouz offers insight into her aspirations and motivations. The use of interior monologue allows the reader to intimately understand Hamida’s mindset and ambitions, emphasizing her materialistic and ambitious nature. Hamida’s pursuit of money is depicted as the driving force behind her desire for power and influence, revealing the flawed logic in her thinking. Mahfouz’s use of irony in describing Hamida portrays her as both driven and misguided in her aspirations.

“He was a narcotics peddler and accustomed to doing his business under a veil of darkness. Normal life had eluded him and he had become a prey to perversions. Thus his submission to his vices was complete; he neither regretted them nor was he repentant. He would complain about the government for punishing people like himself and would slander those who openly despised and scorned his other passion.”

This quote introduces Kirsha’s complex and morally ambiguous personality. His “perversions” are referring to his sexual orientation. However, this is not necessarily the truth about Kirsha, and the narrator describes him with more nuance in other parts of the book. Kirsha’s acceptance of his activities reflects his defiance against societal norms and his own indifference to the ethical standards imposed by the community. Mahfouz’s description underscores the complexities of his character and serves as a commentary on the blurred lines between legality, morality, and personal desire.

“He seemed to see the boy’s face and looked toward the chair standing between him and Darwish’s sofa and in his mind’s eye saw the boy putting his trust in him. In times gone by he would never have invited such a boy to his café, but now his vice was well known to the alley inhabitants. Now Kirsha’s mask was removed and he indulged his perversion openly. Raging scenes took place between him and his wife, providing rich gossip for people like Dr. Booshy and Umm Hamida. However, he did not care at all.”

This quote signals a shift in Kirsha’s behavior, as he has transitioned from secrecy to openness regarding his sexuality. This transformation is symbolized by the removal of his “mask,” suggesting a sense of liberation as well as the loss of a façade that had protected his public image. The juxtaposition of his current actions with his past restraint highlights the evolving dynamics within the alley. Kirsha's apathy toward the gossip further emphasizes his detachment from societal norms and his willingness to disregard them in favor of pursuing his own desires, perhaps sustained by his firm social position as a patriarch on the alley.

“On the ground, almost directly beneath the little window, something is piled, no different from the floor of the room in color, filthiness, or smell, but possessed of limbs, flesh, and blood, and which therefore, despite everything, deserves to be called a human being. It was Zaita, the man who rented this hole from the bakeress Husniya.”

This quote introduces the character Zaita. The passage uses the setting to present the person in the same way in which the description of the alley announces the characters of the novel. The narrator’s irony serves to highlight the stark disparity between his inherent worth as a person and the dehumanizing circumstances in which he finds himself, effectively shedding light on the social inequalities and injustices present within the alley.

“The trouble was that Salim Alwan scarcely understood anything apart from the world of commerce, and his opinions and beliefs were hardly above those of Abbas, the barber, for example. People like him would humbly prostrate themselves before the tomb of Hussain or pay homage to Sheikh Darwish. In short he was essentially ignorant.”

This quote describes Salim Alwan, the rich merchant of Midaq Alley. Alwan represents the newly enriched merchants who, nevertheless, have not changed their social positions after becoming rich. Alwan’s ignorance of everything except commerce makes him fearful and frustrated. He constantly tries to consolidate his social position and distinguish himself from the other inhabitants of the alley.

“Slowly she was emerging from her state of indecision. She had found a gleam of light in the darkness surrounding her, the gleam of glistening gold! Even if he did not interest or excite her, perhaps that gleam of light she so wanted might come from him and answer her craving for power and wealth. After all, he was the only suitable young man in the alley.”

The quote captures the gradual transformation in Hamida’s mindset, adding a sense of progression to her character. The metaphor of a “gleam of light in the darkness” is a symbol of hope and opportunity, representing the prospect of power and wealth that Hamida desires. The passage also highlights Hamida’s growing interest in Abbas, driven primarily by her desire for power and wealth rather than genuine affection.

“All of a sudden Sheikh Darwish raised his head and said, without looking toward Kirsha, ‘O Kirsha, Kirsha, your wife is a strong woman. Indeed, she has a masculinity which many men lack. She is really a male, not a female. Why don’t you love her, then?’”

Sheikh Darwish’s ironic comments about Kirsha’s wife’s perceived masculinity add a layer of subtext to the conversation, hinting at the complex dynamics of Kirsha’s own desires and relationships. Sheikh Darwish is the only one on the alley who is allowed to make such comments because the others see him as a saintly man. This commentary offers a general perspective on gender identity and societal expectations within the context of the alley. The question “Why don't you love her, then?” is rhetorical in nature, revealing Sheikh Darwish’s awareness of Kirsha's true inclinations.

“Her son went on: ‘All my friends live the modern way. They have all become “gentlemen,” as they say in English.’ Kirsha’s mouth opened wide in amazement, his thick lips exploding to reveal his gold teeth. ‘What did you say?’ he asked. Scowling, Hussain made no reply. His father went on: ‘Galman? What’s that? A new type of hashish?’”

This irony in this passage comments on the disparity between the aspirations of Hussain and his father’s obstinate conservatism. Common English words, such as “gentleman,” which also signify class, are treated with sarcasm and even disdain by the older inhabitants of the alley. They also put into perspective the young people’s aspirations, revealing their superficial nature. This is especially true of Hussain and Hamida, both of whom have dreams that come into contradiction with the reality of modern life.

“Umm Hamida expanded, her voice ringing with victory and confidence. ‘He sits at a big desk piled almost to the roof with folders and papers. Coffee is forever coming in and going out, with visitors seeking his help and asking him questions. He sits there and rebukes some and curses others. Policemen are always coming in to greet him, and all officers respect him.’”

Umm Hamida’s description of Mrs. Saniya Afify’s future groom portrays him as a figure of authority and influence. The imagery of his office signifies his importance and responsibilities. The constant flow of visitors and coffee signifies his dynamic role, and the contrast between rebuking and cursing alongside the respect of officers underscores his power. This description is a commentary on the position the new class of government clerks enjoyed in the society.

“The older woman stared at her and spoke slowly and meaningfully. ‘When a man like Mr. Alwan marries a girl, he’s really marrying her whole family, just as when the Nile overflows, it floods all Egypt. Do you understand what I mean? Or do you think you’re going off to your new palace while I stay here under the care of Mrs. Saniya Afify and others like her?’”

The analogy in this passage conveys the complex social dynamics of marriage and family. Umm Hamida’s comparison between Mr. Alwan’s potential marriage to Hamida and the Nile’s overflow emphasizes the far-reaching consequences of such unions for the community. The Nile is Egypt’s most important river and the center of its civilization. The analogy captures the idea that a marriage, particularly involving a man of Alwan’s status, extends its influence beyond the couple to encompass the entire family, echoing the way in which the Nile’s flow affects the entirety of Egypt. Umm Hamida, of course, hints at the fact that she would be equally advantaged by her foster daughter’s marriage to a wealthy man.

“He entered her life at a time when she was overcome with despair. Salim Alwan had collapsed near death after giving her a day and a half of hope for the life she had always wanted, and now this had happened, after she had banished Abbas from her dreams. Because she now knew there was no hope of marrying Alwan, she renewed her engagement to the barber, even though she felt only scorn for him.”

This quote presents the impact that the arrival of Ibrahim Faraj in Hamida’s life has at a time of Hamida’s “despair.” Since the girl is in a confused, desperate state of mind, the situation foreshadows the power dynamics and exploitative nature of her connection with the pimp. The narrator also emphasizes Hamida’s manipulative nature.

“Umm Hamida was overcome with amazement at the widow’s sudden generosity. She clasped her hands together and said to herself, ‘Are men worth all this trouble? Long may your wisdom reign, O Lord, for it is You who have decreed that women worship men….’”

The use of interior monologue as Umm Hamida reflects to herself allows the reader to access her thoughts and emphasizes her perspective on gender roles. Umm Hamida’s experience with a most important institution—marriage—allows her to make observations from a position of knowledge. In this quote, she questions the societal norms that place men in a position of dominance and women in a subservient role. However, her tone is also one of resignation, which reflects Umm Hamida’s acceptance of the societal order, even if she questions its logic.

“Although the reins of wisdom had now clearly slipped from his hands, death had already appeared before him sometime previously. He would never again forget that terrifying hour when the crisis had struck.”

This quote describes Salim Alwan’s state of mind after his heart attack. It is a reflection on the impermanence of one’s position in the world, as death can strike at any moment. For Salim Alwan, this is particularly important, as before his heart attack he was working on consolidating his social position and expanding his masculine power.

“If only she were as skillful with words as she was in battle, for example. He was speaking tenderly but somehow she was unable to talk back that way. This annoyed her, for, unlike some girls, she was not satisfied with a merely negative role. Her nature craved something more than waiting in humble silence.”

In this passage, the narrator describes the difficult situation in which Hamida finds herself when interacting with Ibrahim Faraj, who will later become her pimp. Hamida’s lack of experience, education, and wisdom is in contrast with her aspiration of not having “a merely negative role.” Her low social class makes her vulnerable and passive. There are traits that place her in a vulnerable position, as she is unable to stand up for herself.

“She told herself, ‘I have no father and no mother; he is all I really have in the world.’ Thus she managed to put the past behind her and set her thoughts on the future and what it might bring.”

This quote reflects Hamida’s inner dialogue when she decides to run away from Midaq Alley. Although her relationship with her foster mother, Umm Hamida, is strong and loving, Hamida justifies her act by her lack of birth parents. On the other hand, she states that all she has is her new love interest, Ibrahim Faraj. The irony of these statements will become obvious over the following chapters, as Hamida will enter her new role as a sex worker and Faraj will prove to be a pimp.

“Taking her hands and covering them with kisses, he replied, ‘That’s your new name. Keep it and forget Hamida, for she has ceased to exist! Names, my darling, are not trivial things to which we should attach no weight. Names are really everything. What is the world made up of except names?’”

Ibrahim Faraj’s training of Hamida for the role of sex worker begins when he changes her name to Titi—a name that her foreign customers would find easy to pronounce. This change of name signifies the girl’s shedding of her old identity and the adoption of a superficial, objectifying mask. It also symbolizes the colonial appropriation of Egypt.

“The news that Dr. Booshy and Zaita had been apprehended in the Taliby sepulcher reached the alley the next evening. Soon the story and all its details spread, and everyone heard it with a mixture of amazement and alarm. When Mrs. Saniya Afify heard the news, she was overcome with hysteria. Wailing in distress, she pulled the gold teeth from her mouth and flung them away, slapping hysterically at both cheeks.”

In this quote, Mrs. Saniya Afify realizes that the teeth she had bought from Dr. Booshy also came from a sepulcher. Her distress, however, is only temporary and provoked by disgust. On the other hand, the consequences that Dr. Booshy, the dentist, and his helper, Zaita, experience are a long time in prison. The quote invites reflection on the real price of material possessions for the lower classes and asks whether the sacrifice is worth it.

“He bit his lip at the thought and turned back, tired from walking alone. His hand touched the box with the necklace in his pocket, and he gave a hollow laugh that was more an angry scream. If only he could strangle her with the gold necklace. He recalled his joy in the goldsmith’s shop when he selected the gift. The memory flowed through him like a gentle spring breeze, but, meeting the glare of his troubled heart, it was transformed into a raging sirocco.”

The contrast between the “gentle spring breeze” and the “raging sirocco” is a metaphor for Abbas’s shifting emotions. The harsh reality of his unfulfilled desires transforms this memory into a turbulent force, echoing his internal conflict. The image of strangulation heavily contrasts with his gentle and peaceful persona. This moment marks Abbas’s complete transformation, which will eventually lead to his death.

“Hamida had never known the life of a simple respectable girl. She had no happy memories of the past and was now quite engrossed in the enjoyable present. Her case was different from that of the majority of the other girls, who had been forced by necessity or circumstances into their present life and were often tormented by remorse.”

This quote describes Hamida after her conversion into a successful sex worker, popular with British and American customers. Mahfouz is partly contradicting his previous descriptions of her: The fact that she does not have a history and has not known the simple life is not true, as that is the exact description of her life on Midaq Alley. However, the point that the narrator makes here is that she has subsequently perfectly adapted to her new role and she did not have moral qualms about her work.