'The Spider's House'

Paper Summary:

In this discussion of "The Spider's House" the writer relates that the novel is set during the 1950s uprising period in Fez, Morocco. The writer focuses on the 15-year-old Moroccan boy Amar and his emotional, spiritual, and vocational development as well as the story's location in the religious, spiritual Islamic community of the area. The writer describes that Amar is contemplating the fact that he must return home and be beaten, even while he contemplates the beauty of the world around him and the greatness of the provisions of Allah in the natural world. The writer notes that although the narrative contains many poetical passages, the author's primary focus lies on the evolution and rumination that takes place within Amar. The writer concludes that the novel does not take a stand as to which power will be superior, morally or practically, in the end, but there is a suggestion that a new form of power, of economic power or perhaps even inner strength, must come into being within the young man's mind and soul.

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From the Paper:

"The reader learns that Amar has chosen to go to work instead of go to school. This goes against the principles of his religious and scholarly father. His father dislikes the idea that his son will not follow in his footsteps, but has been compassionate and understanding enough accept the boy's natural inclinations and thus did not oppose Amar's choice to go to work in a blanket factory instead of engaging in religious study. Amar's father is beloved amongst the members of the Moroccan Islamic community. Members of this community revere Amar's father and kiss his feet and garments. However, despite this tribute to his father's knowledge and wisdom, knowledge of the Koran pays few monetary dividends to Amar or his father. Unlike some of his friends, whose fathers own shops that cater to the French occupiers, for example, Amar is too poor to even own a bicycle."

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