Palace Walk

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1956

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-14

Chapters 15-28

Chapters 29-42

Chapters 43-56

Chapters 57-71

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

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Background

Authorial Context: Naguib Mahfouz and the Cairo Trilogy

Naguib Mahfouz was born on December 11, 1911, in Cairo, Egypt. Mahfouz grew up in a city that would later become the backdrop for his most celebrated works, the Cairo Trilogy. His family was part of the middle class, and Mahfouz’s father was a civil servant. The young Mahfouz was a keen reader from an early age, delving into the works of both classical Arabic literature and European novels, which he often borrowed from his father’s extensive library. In 1930, Mahfouz enrolled at the University of Cairo, where he studied philosophy. His exposure to diverse philosophical ideas and literary traditions during this period significantly shaped his intellectual outlook. In the midst of this academic pursuit, he began to experiment with writing, producing short stories and essays. In 1934, Mahfouz published his first collection of short stories, titled Whispers of Madness, which marked the commencement of his literary career.

The Cairo Trilogy, which includes Palace Walk (1956), Palace of Desire (1957), and Sugar Street (1957), stands as Mahfouz’s most famous work. The trilogy provides an intimate and intricate portrayal of the al-Jawad family against the backdrop of Cairo during the first half of the 20th century. The first novel in the trilogy introduces the al-Jawad family, led by the patriarch al-Sayyid Ahmad Abd al-Jawad. Continuing the family saga, Palace of Desire follows the lives of al-Sayyid Ahmad’s sons and widens the scope to include the broader political landscape. The concluding novel of the trilogy, Sugar Street, spans the years leading up to and following World War II.

The characters in the Cairo Trilogy often embody broader societal archetypes, and as such, their individual journeys serve as metaphors for the collective experiences of the Egyptian people. The Cairo Trilogy received widespread acclaim upon its publication, and its exploration of themes such as tradition, modernity, patriarchy, and nationalism resonated with readers from diverse cultural backgrounds. The trilogy solidified Mahfouz’s reputation as a literary giant and brought Egyptian literature to the forefront of global literary discourse. The Nobel Committee awarded Mahfouz the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1988 and praised him for his ability to capture the essence of the human condition. The Cairo Trilogy in particular was lauded for its nuanced depictions of the complexities of a society in flux, even as it remains rooted in the specifics of its cultural context.

Mahfouz’s literary career was not without its share of controversies. His works often explored sociopolitical themes, and he was known for his engagement with political and philosophical discourse. In the 1950s and 1960s, Mahfouz aligned himself with leftist ideologies and became involved in intellectual circles that advocated for social justice and political change. However, his stance also led to clashes with conservative elements in Egyptian society. In 1994, Mahfouz survived an assassination attempt by Islamist extremists who were angered by his perceived secular views. The attack left him with permanent injuries but did not deter him from continuing to write and express his views. Mahfouz’s legacy extends far beyond the literary realm. His meaningful contributions to literature have earned him a place among the most influential literary figures of the 20th century, and his celebrated Cairo Trilogy remains a touchstone for understanding the complexities of Egyptian culture in the modern era.

Historical Context: Egypt and World War I

World War I profoundly influenced the geopolitical landscape of the time. Its repercussions extended far beyond the European theater, reaching into the heart of the Middle East and, notably, Egypt. The effects of World War I on Egyptian society are depicted in Palace Walk. As a crucial part of the British Empire during the war, Egypt experienced significant economic, political, and social transformations that left an enduring mark on the country’s trajectory. Before World War I, Egypt was intricately tied to the global economy as a major supplier of cotton, a commodity in high demand. The country’s economic structure was largely agrarian, with cotton cultivation dominating the landscape. The cotton industry was not only vital for Egypt’s economy but was also a linchpin in the British textile industry.

The outbreak of World War I disrupted global trade patterns, adversely affecting Egypt’s economy, as traditional trading routes were disrupted and the global demand for cotton fluctuated. The war’s impact on shipping routes and the diversion of resources to military needs created significant economic challenges for Egypt. Additionally, the imposition of martial law in the country led to a reconfiguration of economic priorities, with a focus on meeting wartime needs. The economic dislocation that citizens experienced during the war laid the groundwork for subsequent changes in Egypt’s economic structure. After the war, efforts were made to diversify the economy and reduce the country’s dependence on a single commodity. However, these changes were gradual at best, and the economic legacy of World War I continued to shape Egypt’s development in the years that followed.

At the onset of World War I, Egypt was still under British occupation, having been declared a British protectorate in 1914. The British presence was ostensibly intended to protect the Suez Canal, a crucial maritime route connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. However, the British occupation faced resistance from various quarters, setting the stage for political unrest. The conclusion of World War I brought with it a wave of global changes, including the reevaluation of colonial holdings. The expectation of a “war for civilization” and the rhetoric of self-determination fueled aspirations for greater autonomy in Egypt. The war had exposed the inherent vulnerabilities of empires, and this realization catalyzed nationalist sentiments across the colonized world. In the wake of the war, nationalist movements gained momentum in Egypt as well.

The exigencies of war necessitated many social changes in Egypt. For example, the deployment of Egyptian labor in support of the war effort, both within the country and abroad, altered traditional social structures. Additionally, the war caused an influx of foreign troops and workers who introduced new cultural influences and created considerable social tension. The war also disrupted civilian life, with Egyptians suffering economic hardship and enduring frequent shortages of essential goods. The imposition of martial law and censorship created an atmosphere of surveillance that also affected the rhythm of daily life. Ultimately, the wartime experience led to increased awareness of political and social issues and contributed to the citizens’ growing demand for self-determination. With many men engaged in the war, women took on new responsibilities in the workforce and the public sphere. This period therefore laid the groundwork for increased awareness of women’s rights and began to acknowledge their role in shaping the nation’s future. However, despite these shifts, the post-war settlement as embodied in the Treaty of Versailles did not fulfill the aspirations of many Egyptians. The denial of Egyptian demands for independence at the Paris Peace Conference created disillusionment and fueled resentment, and as the novel conveys, the imposition of British influence in the aftermath of the war continued to be a source of contention.

Historical Context: Egyptian Nationalism

Palace Walk portrays the rise of the Egyptian nationalist movement against the background of World War I. This surge of nationalistic sentiment was a response to decades of foreign influence, particularly that of the British occupation, and these aspects of the political situation fueled Egyptians’ desire for self-determination. Culminating in the 1920s, the journey toward Egyptian independence was shaped by a complex interplay of political, social, and economic factors. Egypt had been under Ottoman rule for centuries until the British Empire established a strong presence in the region in the 19th century. The British effectively took control of Egypt in 1882, ostensibly to protect the Suez Canal and British imperial interests. This occupation fueled resentment among Egyptians, laying the groundwork for the emergence of nationalist sentiments.

One of the early manifestations of anti-colonial sentiment was the Urabi Revolt of 1881-1882. Led by a military officer named Ahmed Urabi Pasha, the revolt was a response to economic hardships, foreign dominance, and corruption within the ruling elite. Although the revolt was eventually quashed by British forces, it sowed enduring seeds of nationalistic aspirations among Egyptians. The outbreak of World War I also brought new challenges and opportunities, for Egypt’s strategic importance as a link between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea was heightened during the war, and the British declared Egypt a protectorate in 1914, solidifying their control. The war also accelerated economic changes as Egypt became a crucial supplier of goods for the war effort; this trend created both economic opportunities and disparities.

Saad Zaghloul emerged as a pivotal figure in the early 20th-century nationalist movement. A charismatic leader and former prime minister, Zaghloul became a symbol of the push for Egyptian independence. His advocacy for Egyptian representation at the Paris Peace Conference after World War I was a watershed moment that galvanized nationalist sentiments. The turning point in the rise of Egyptian nationalism came with the 1919 Egyptian Revolution. Sparked by the refusal of the British authorities to grant Egypt independence or even allow Egyptian representation at the Paris Peace Conference, the revolution saw mass protests, strikes, and civil disobedience. Zaghloul’s leadership played a crucial role in uniting various factions under the banner of independence. The 1919 Revolution was a catalyst for the articulation of specific nationalist demands. The Egyptians sought self-determination, the end of British occupation, the establishment of a constitutional government, and the recognition of Egypt’s sovereignty. In response to the growing unrest, the British authorities resorted to repression and martial law. However, these attempts at suppression did not quell the nationalist fervor, instead solidifying the resolve of the Egyptian people.

The Paris Peace Conference in 1920 became a stage for the international recognition of Egyptian nationalism. Despite being initially denied attendance, Zaghloul and his delegation garnered global support. Their representation at the conference raised awareness of the Egyptian cause, drawing attention to the aspirations of a nation yearning for autonomy. The aftermath of the 1919 Revolution saw the formation of the Wafd Party in 1920, under the leadership of Zaghloul. The Wafd, meaning “delegation” in Arabic, aimed to represent Egyptian interests on the international stage and negotiate with the British for independence. The party quickly gained widespread support and became a major force in Egyptian politics. The 1920s did not bring full independence to Egypt, but the period did lay the foundation for future efforts to achieve this goal. The limited concessions and the recognition of Egyptian aspirations represented incremental progress, but during the time frame in which Palace Walk is set, the goal of complete sovereignty remained elusive.