Saints and Misfits

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Download PDF

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-12

Chapters 13-17

Chapters 18-22

Chapters 23-26

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Themes

Reclaiming One’s Voice after Sexual Assault

Throughout the novel, the protagonist, Janna Yusuf, undergoes a powerful transformation as she struggles to shed the shame she feels as a survivor of assault and works to reclaim her voice and autonomy. The narrative explores Janna’s journey as she navigates the complex dynamics of her community, confronts her fears, and finds the strength to challenge societal norms.

At the outset of Saints and Misfits, Janna experiences a sense of shame and powerlessness as a result of being sexually assaulted. Every time she is near Farooq, she relives her traumatic experience and fights the urge to hide or run away. This dynamic has a negative impact on her life and increasingly affects her social interactions. In her fear of Farooq, she leaves parties earlier, avoids certain social situations, and even loses the quiz bowl due to her panic when she senses his presence in the audience. Her ongoing silence is the result of her internal struggle with the dual weight of social pressures and traumatized shame; she feels that she will be judged if she comes forward, and she also carries internalized guilt over the experience. However, as the story unfolds, Janna embarks on a journey of self-empowerment, gradually shedding her feelings of helplessness and reclaiming control over her own life and choices.

Throughout the novel, Janna finds strength within herself and challenges the oppressive forces that seek to silence her. By questioning societal norms and expectations, she defies the limitations imposed upon her as a young Muslim woman. Janna also grows increasingly interested in asking questions about her faith and finds inspiration from many sources, including her religious leader Uncle Amu, her mentor Mr. Ram, and her friends, Sarah and Sausun. Janna’s pursuit of self-empowerment showcases the resilience and determination required to break free from the shackles of such traumatic experiences. Although she initially lacks the courage to share the full truth of the secret she carries, she slowly begins to explore her own sense of self and her beliefs. This process is also demonstrated in her experiments with removing the hijab during gym class and exploring the possibilities of a non-Muslim romance.

In confronting her fears and speaking her truth, Janna disrupts the cycle of silence and confronts the power structures that prevent those who experience sexual assault from speaking out. She finds the courage to pursue this course of justice through her realization that exposing Farooq could potentially protect other women in her community. She states, “I don’t want a single other girl to carry what’s only his” (321). Through her acts of defiance, she empowers herself and others. Janna’s journey therefore serves as a powerful reminder that breaking silence is a vital step towards healing and regaining agency in such situations.

Central to Janna’s evolution is her journey towards reclaiming her autonomy. The novel portrays her gradual realization that she possesses the power to shape her own narrative and determine her destiny. Janna navigates the complexities of her Muslim identity, balancing cultural expectations with her personal desires and beliefs. As Janna asserts herself and confronts those who seek to control her, she demonstrates her resilience and refusal to be defined solely by her experience of sexual assault. She challenges the limitations imposed upon her, asserting her autonomy in choosing her relationships, pursuing her passions, and forging her own path. Janna’s journey illustrates the significance of reclaiming one’s autonomy as a survivor and regaining the agency to author one’s own story. Janna’s evolution serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the capacity to transcend the boundaries imposed by society. Her journey inspires readers to confront their own traumas, challenge oppressive norms, and reclaim their voices. By reclaiming her autonomy, Janna reminds us that surviving adversity is not merely about resilience, but also about asserting one’s right to live a life free from shame and fear.

Understanding People’s True Motivations

In Saints and Misfits, the theme of understanding the motivations behind positive actions takes center stage. The narrative explores the significance of seeking the underlying intentions driving choices and actions. By delving into the “why“ behind human behavior, the novel highlights the transformative power of self-reflection and the potential for personal growth and empathy. Through exploring the importance of identifying the “why” behind positive actions, the novel showcases the importance of inner morality for character development, relationships, and the pursuit of justice. Throughout the story, Janna learns these traits from two important role models in her life: Mr. Ram and Uncle Amu. Mr. Ram articulates the metaphor of someone whose inner motivations don’t match their outward appearance by referring to them as an “empty husk,” and Janna later uses these exact words when confronting Farooq. Similarly, Uncle Amu urges the readers of his website to align their inner motivations with their exterior practices, claiming that the alignment of these two is crucial to their faith. By examining her own motivations, Janna gains a deeper understanding of herself and the impact she has on others. This introspection enables her to make conscious choices and act in alignment with her values, fostering her character development and sense of self. For example, Janna contemplates her decision to confront the antagonist, Farooq. She realizes that her desire to protect other girls from suffering the same way she did is the driving force behind her actions. By identifying the “why” of her intention, Janna gains the clarity and strength to confront Farooq and stand up for justice. This process of self-reflection demonstrates the transformative power of understanding the motivations behind positive actions.

This theme also encompasses the significance of discerning intentions that are less than stellar. To this end, the novel portrays how misjudgments and misunderstandings can arise when individuals fail to consider the motivations behind someone’s behavior. By encouraging empathy and understanding, Saints and Misfits underscores the importance of looking beyond surface-level actions and seeking people’s underlying intentions or hidden agendas. In the story, Janna’s relationships with her friends, Tats and Fizz, are tested when they struggle to comprehend her experiences with Farooq. However, Tats proves herself to be a loyal friend by making sacrifices on Janna’s behalf and accepting her without judgment. Tats’s ability to see beyond the surface and understand the “why” behind Janna’s actions solidifies their bond and showcases the power of empathy in sustaining meaningful relationships. In contrast, Fizz cannot see beyond the surface and fails to support Janna during this difficult time.

This theme also intersects with the novel’s exploration of justice. Saints and Misfits emphasizes that the pursuit of justice requires a thorough understanding of the motivations and intentions behind wrongdoing. By examining the reasons for someone’s actions, individuals can better address the root causes and work to effect transformative change. In the novel, Janna’s quest for justice against Farooq involves confronting his actions openly and exposing his misdeeds. By shedding light on his intentions, Janna seeks to protect others and prevent further harm. This pursuit of justice through understanding the reasons for Farooq’s actions allows for a more nuanced approach, encouraging growth, accountability, and the potential for redemption.

Safety and Peril within Religious Communities

Religious community plays a vital role in shaping the lives of many characters in Saints and Misfits. The novel delves into the intricacies of belonging to a religious community, highlighting its importance in providing support, guidance, and a sense of identity. However, it also exposes the potential dangers and pitfalls that can arise within such communities, especially as certain members, like Farooq, adopt a false image of piety as a way to cover for more nefarious actions, while others, like Fizz, use religious standards of behavior as an excuse to judge others harshly. Saints and Misfits therefore explores both the significance and risks associated with religious communities, emphasizing the many complexities that arise within these spaces.

Throughout the novel, S.K. Ali portrays the importance of religious community in the lives of its characters. The Muslim community depicted in the book provides a sense of belonging, identity, and shared values, offerings solace and a space for spiritual growth. Janna, the protagonist, often seeks support and connection within her community by looking for guidance from religious leaders, such as sending her deepest questions anonymously to her uncle, Amu, and finding comfort in the company of fellow believers whose practices evoke inspiration, such as Sausun, who wears a niqab. The community provides her with a sense of belonging and validation of her identity as a Muslim. Furthermore, religious communities often foster a sense of unity, solidarity, and shared purpose. They encourage individuals to practice their faith collectively, fostering a strong bond and a sense of shared values and experiences.

While religious communities can offer a sense of belonging and support, Ali also explores the potential dangers and pitfalls that can emerge within such spaces. The novel portrays instances of hypocrisy, judgment, and abuse within the religious community, shedding light on the darker side of religious affiliation. One of the dangers highlighted in the novel is the tendency to elevate community leaders or figures to a position of unchecked authority. This power dynamic can lead to manipulation, exploitation, and the suppression of dissenting voices. Moreover, the novel delves into the challenges of hypocrisy within religious communities. It highlights how individuals who project a pious image, such as Farooq, can harbor secrets and engage in morally questionable behavior behind closed doors. This dissonance between a person’s idealized image and the reality of their behavior can lead to disillusionment, confusion, and a loss of faith in the community and its teachings. The novel therefore encourages readers to question the actions and intentions of religious leaders, challenging the notion of blind obedience and urging individuals to think independently and hold their communities accountable.