The Character Of Zaita In Midaq Alley

Naguib Mafouz revolutionized Arabic storytelling when he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Mahfouz’s novels and short stories became common expressions in the 1950s-60s. His writing, both in Arabic and beyond, is unique because it reads like short stories and has no distinct protagonist. Midaq alley, which was translated into English in 1966, is an excellent example of this writing style. Each character is equally important and the reader gets to know them slowly, soap opera-style, by a variety of perspectives on their lives, dialog, and interactions. Midaq, a back street off the hustle and bustle of Cairo’s streets, serves as a microcosm for Egyptian society. Mahfouz selects his characters with the same deliberate intent as a soap opera’s actors choose which ones to play more often. The “secondary” character is created with great purpose due to the short vignettes. This is done by using tight diction, and a variety of syntax. Zaita the alley-dweller is an example. Mahfouz uses her in a sporadic and impulsive manner.

Zaita is an intriguing member of the alley. It is impossible to tell his true purpose at first glance, let alone a second. The role of Zaita is only revealed through close analysis and observation. In Naguib Mahafouz’s novel Midaq Alley the character Zaita represents “the Id”. The concept of “the Id” was coined by Sigmund. The Id’s psychoanalytical theory states that there are three distinct parts to the human psyche, with the Id representing the primitive instinctual side of people, which is often suppressed by the ego and superego. Naguib Mahafouz explores the theory of the Id through the character Zaita. This expression of instinct and primal is used to subtly criticize what people think civilization should be. There is a repression of primal instincts in most progressive civilizations. Midaq Alley discusses the importance of a civilization and its individuals. Mahfouz creates the personification of animalistic elements of society in Zaita.

He directly addresses his exigence with the final phrase: His diction in words such as “deserves” and “despite” displays the message that, although the Id is abhorrent in every sense, it is still a crucial aspect of humanity. The final phrase he uses, “despite”, “deserves”, and “in every way” shows that the Id may be abhorrent but it’s still a vital part of humanity. Encyclopedia Britannica defines Id as “the psychic realm which contains content related the primitive instincts and behaviors of the body”, namely sex. Mahfouz, however, chooses to portray Zaita in a very limited way, reflecting the society’s reluctance toward confronting these aspects of themselves. Zaita appears in a few short passages as someone who is characterized by concupiscence. Mahfouz is saying that Zaita does not follow the path of nature, but rather lives by impulse. Husniya threatens Zaita with a broken neck. Zaita replies: “Perhaps it would also be delightful.” The Id finds pleasure in even the most heinous acts. Zaita then experiences a “fitting of violent passion”, and it is reported that he removes his filthy apparel to seduce Husniya. Mahfouz writes that Zaita is known for his impulsive, animalistic behavior. Husniya has been happy to flirt with Zaita up until now (“her pleasure, the way she listened delighted her”) but, once his true intentions were revealed, Husniya is horrified and throws him a glass, injuring him. Mahfouz aims to demonstrate the Id’s allure and how society rejects the Id’s desires.

Zaita is a character with a unique attitude toward his environment. Mahfouz writes that Zaita had little to do in the alley where he lived. He was not attached to anyone and he did not need anyone. This is a fascinating line that shows Zaita’s detachedness. Although he lives in an alley, he still enjoys the benefits of the civilization. The next line, however is an apt description of his purpose: “Except the fathers of the alley who used his image to scare their children.” In the same manner that parents warn their offspring against living only for pleasure (giving in their Id), they use Zaita and his example to prevent their children from leading a life similar to his. Mahfouz depicts Zaita in a revolting light, yet his visage has an appealing quality. Zaita is one of the few characters to find true happiness. Hamida, Kirsha and other characters have extravagant lives and high expectations, which eventually lead to their demise. Zaita is most satisfied with his life even though it’s condemned and used as a warning by those who think they are superior to him. Mahfouz sometimes uses Zaita in his plays to make a point. For example, he will say: “Which among us is not first welcomed to the world as a kind-of-kinds, and then carried where bad fortune dictates? Nature’s greatest trick is to make us believe that we are not capable of escaping. It would be a shame to let us know what awaits us if it showed us. We wouldn’t want to leave. These few but profound remarks illustrate the importance Mahfouz attaches to the Id. Zaita’s wisdom is not appreciated by the majority of society. Zaita has been shunned as the Id by those who live in the alley. Zaita’s alternate reality is what solidifies him as the id of the alley. The id does not care about the outside world or the passing of time. It is only concerned with the present moment. Zaita’s view of life in an alley is quite different from that of everyone else. When describing his childhood, Zaita says, “All sorts of scum, insects, and other things floated around the surface [of the mudhole]. The sight was beautiful! My eyelids would be heavy with flies as I lifted them and enjoyed the wonderful summer resort. I was happy as a clam Even though surrounded with what others would call filth and squalor Zaita can only see beauty. He is happier because of it. Mahfouz is trying to prove that the human id can be a valuable and irrefutable part of society. It is a tool that makes life more enjoyable, even when the enjoyment is only temporary or fictional.

Mahfouz uses Zaita to serve his purpose, even though he is filthy, impulsive and detached. Mahfouz illustrates that simplicity often leads to happiness. This impulsivity, however, is suppressed by society. Zaita is a repulsive character. Mahfouz is a master at creating disgust, but he uses it to illustrate his theme, the nature and evolution of human civilisation. Zaita is selfish but still helps others even if he traps them. Zaita’s concern for cleanliness is secondary to his deepest desires and personal pleasure. Zaita, who lives in an alley that is not his, but a world he has created, manages to live the most happy life of all the residents of Mahfouz’s alley.