How and to what effect does Mahfouz employ stream of consciousness narration in the novel?

The novel the ‘Thief and the dogs’ by Naguib Mahfouz was the first ever Arabic novel to use a stream of consciousness. But first what is a stream of consciousness? It is an individuals thoughts and reactions to specific events flowing a continuing flow. Said Mahran, the protagonist within the novel is further characterized in developed through the use of stream of consciousness working along side literary elements, such as language, imagery etc.

Throughout the novel we can see many examples of the stream of consciousness of Said being presented. In chapter 11, Said goes to Tarzan’s cafe and is involved in a conversation with both Tarzan and a smuggler discussing the people who look up to him and admire his actions. While they are talking the waiter interrupts saying "But what harm is there in stealing from the rich anyway?”. This is where the use of stream of consciousness is revealed. Naguib Mahfouz gives greater insight into Said’s thoughts within this current situation, “Said beamed as if he were receiving a compliment at some public reception in his honor”. Mahfouz does this to convey the way Said is feeling at this point in time in the novel and his initial thoughts when he heard the waiter. This further developed the characterization of Said and reveals his thoughts and feelings towards the reader. Before Said was convicted to a prison he was actually a very well know and respected man to his community. However his whole life was crumbling away when he got released. His lost almost all his loved ones. His wife, Nabawiya who had betrayed him, his daughter Sana and his old friend and mentor Rauf as well as the man who stole his wife Irish Sidra. From being respected and loved to all of a sudden having no one really had a major effect on Said, causing him to burst into anger and seek for revenge on the ones who betrayed him.

Naguib Mahfouz uses other literary techniques such as elements of language to enhance the tension of events that have taken place. Once again chapter 11 doesn’t only characterize Said but developed the ideas of his relationship with other characters within the novel. Towards the end of the chapter Nur tells Said about her visit with a fortune teller who expresses that she soon will be at peace. Confused at what the fortune teller meant by that she asks him "When will that ever be?”. This reveals to us as the readers that her character is very frustrated and has a sense of urgency to be at peace. This may have attributed due to her tough adult lifestyle and can maybe indicate to us as the readers that she is quite unhappy with her current situation and just can’t wait to get out of it. Location is also a major part attributing towards the mood within the chapter. The mood is very dull and unpleasant and this is achieved through the location of the graveyard where Said is thinking to himself about his parents death, as well as Rauf’s and Nabawiya’s betrayal towards him. 

Context always plays a major role in the novel as the ‘Thief and the dogs’ was set during the aftermath of the Egyptian war and the revolution. This is significant as during the revolution a lot of people were abandoned and let down, similarly characterizing what happens in the story of the ‘Thief and the dogs’ were Said the protagonist is also abandoned by important people in his life.

To conclude, Naguib Mahfouz uses stream of consciousness to characterize Said Mehran, the author also uses different elements of language, characterize Rauf and Nur and uses the setting to enhance the mood of his novel.