Violence

One of the main themes within the novel is the concept of violence. Throughout the entire novel, the characters either participate directly in or expect violence. The rebels on the island, accepting guns from Athens, expect to overthrow Pasha as the citizens of the entire Ottoman Empire plan the same for the Sultan in Constantinople. Bowles uses violence as a constant partner in his deceit of Pasha and Izzet, as well as in his use of Pascali. The religious ceremonies described on the island also revolve around violence, as sheep are slaughtered in exchange for religious blessing. Izzet and Pasha, as well as the Sultan and the rest of the ottoman Administration, use violence as a weapon against the people as displays of their power.

Pascali's descriptions, symbolism, and use of metaphors throughout the novel often speak of this violence. In his comments to the Sultan, Pascali states...