Summary of the Play 'The Song of Death' by Tawfiq al-Hakim

The Song of Death by Tawfiq al-Hakim

Characters:

Asakir: An Egyptian peasant, Alwan’s mother, who has mourned her murdered husband for 17 years

Mabrouka: Sister of Asakir, Sumeida’s mother

Alwan: Asakir’s educated son, who left the village at the age of two, and has since attended Azhar University and become a Sheikh

Sumeida: Mabrouka’s son, Alwan’s cousin, who is ultimately charged with avenging the family honor

Setting: A peasant house in a peasant village in Upper Egypt, during the early 20th century

"The Song of Death" is a play by Tawfiq AlHakim. It's about revenge, family, and forgiveness. In the story, a mother ends up killing her only child, losing everything she had hoped for, including the chance to avenge her husband's death.

Two women, Asakir and Mabrouka, are hoping Asakir's son, Alwan, who was thought to have died as a child, might be coming back on a train. Asakir had actually saved him and sent him away to keep him safe. There are rumors that enemies of Asakir's family have been wiped out, leaving only women behind, or they're hiding a survivor who might seek revenge. This worries Mabrouka, especially for her son, Sumeida. Asakir eagerly waits for her son's return, believing he can seek justice for his father's murder. Mabrouka worries if Alwan, raised far from the village, is capable of revenge.

Mabrouka doubts Alwan, but Asakir is determined for revenge. When the train arrives, Sumeida waits to greet Alwan. Asakir and Mabrouka listen for Sumeida's signal of Alwan's arrival but hear nothing. Suddenly, Sumeida's song confirms Alwan's arrival. Asakir and Mabrouka are relieved. Asakir hugs Alwan warmly when he arrives. Alwan acknowledges their hopes for him to seek revenge.

Asakir offers Alwan his father's knife, urging him to kill the murderer. Alwan questions the cycle of violence and wants to bring progress to the village. Asakir struggles to understand Alwan's new ideas, torn between revenge and progress. When Alwan decides against revenge, Asakir disowns him. Asakir tells Sumeida to kill Alwan to protect the family's honor. Sumeida is shocked but reluctantly agrees. Later, Asakir tells Mabrouka that Alwan has fled. She looks scared, and Mabrouka hears Sumeida singing, realizing something terrible has happened. Asakir cries for her lost son.