Richard the Lionheart

Ismail's reference to Richard the Lionheart (England's King Richard I) is a symbol of the historical conflict between Muslims and Christians in Europe. Richard led the English on the Third Crusade, an attempt to wrest control of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas from the Muslim Ayyubid dynasty in the late 12th century. Ezzedine assures Ismail that "the Crusaders were defeated long ago," to which Ismail responds, "But his people may still be like him. And want to hurt you" (6). Ismail is right to be concerned, as the English do evince an attitude of mistrust and derision toward Ezzedine and his Muslim entourage.

Ezzedine's letter to Saruca

The letter Ezzedine writes to Saruca just before he is sent to live with Baron Moresby in Cumberland is a symbol of Ezzedine's love for his wife and his total lack of agency throughout the novel. Ezzedine is...