Characters of the Play “The Confused Sultan”
The play “The Confused Sultan” features several key characters, each playing a vital role in the narrative. Below is a brief overview of each character:
The Sultan
The Sultan is the central figure of the play and belongs to the Mamluk dynasty. He is portrayed as a just ruler whose reign was marked by prosperity, security, and peace. Through years of struggle, dedication, and humble interaction with his subjects, he built a legacy that enabled his people to thrive. He successfully defended the realm against the Mongols, constructed bridges, lowered taxes, and established schools.
Despite his achievements, some individuals questioned the legitimacy of his rule, noting that he was once a slave owned by the Sultan who preceded him. This prior Sultan died before he could free his slave, raising doubts about the current Sultan’s eligibility to ascend the throne. The populace found themselves in a dilemma regarding how to address this predicament.
The Minister
The Minister represents the force and authoritarian approach in handling the situation within the play. He advocates for the execution of the individual who spread the rumors to solidify the Sultan’s authority in the eyes of the populace, who genuinely support their leader. The Minister believes that taking such drastic measures will prevent any further challenges to the Sultan’s legitimacy and ensure the people’s loyalty remains strong.
His rationale is that the rumor-monger is a marginalized individual with extremist views, lacking any supporters within the kingdom. Additionally, he believes that this incident will soon be forgotten, as the populace will prioritize their loyalty to the beloved Sultan over the isolated issue at hand.
The Judge
The character of the Judge embodies law, wisdom, and justice. He seeks a legal resolution to the problem without resorting to bloodshed or violence. After careful consideration of the situation, he proposes a unique solution: to sell the Sultan at a public auction as a slave of the previous Sultan.
The Judge asserts that this approach is prudent, as the new owner would be required to grant immediate freedom to the Sultan after the sale. Following his emancipation, the Sultan would be reinstated as the leader of the realm. The Judge is committed to enforcing the law fairly, ensuring that this method secures the Sultan’s legitimacy indefinitely.
The Courtesan
The Courtesan is the woman who successfully purchased the Sultan at the auction. She initially refused to agree to the condition of immediate emancipation, arguing that it would nullify the purchase contract. The Judge had difficulty persuading her otherwise since her stance was justifiable. Eventually, she consented to free the Sultan at dawn. Once she took him to her home, a warm and meaningful dialogue unfolded between them.
Portrayed as a kind-hearted woman, she defies the negative perceptions associated with her profession. Her love for art and literature shines through, and by purchasing the Sultan, she aims to demonstrate her worthiness of respect and admiration. The Sultan, recognizing her noble intentions, gifted her a precious jewel from his turban, saying, “I will never forget that I was your slave tonight.”
The Winemaker
The Winemaker is one of the men present at the auction, intending to buy the Sultan and bring him to his establishment. He believed that having the Sultan in his tavern would attract numerous customers.
The Cobbler
Similarly, the Cobbler was also in attendance at the auction, hoping to acquire the Sultan so he could showcase his goods to potential buyers, believing that this would increase foot traffic and interest in his merchandise.
Quotes from the Play “The Confused Sultan”
The play is rich with insights, especially regarding the themes of justice and law. Here are some notable quotes:
- “Indeed, a martyr with significant influence holds sway over the conscience of the people more than even the mightiest of kings.”
- “Those who move forward along a straight path will always find an exit.”
- “The law protects your rights against all aggression, for it recognizes not strength but rightful claim.”