Summary
Hakim Atawari serves as William Jones’s closest friend and a narrative foil, originating from India where he holds the title of prince. The two shared their formative years at Eton College, yet their personalities diverge significantly; Hakim is an outgoing womanizer who revels in social gatherings, contrasting sharply with William’s reserved nature and aversion to such events. Hakim travels in grand style, accompanied by a harem of servants and elephants, reflecting his lavish lifestyle. Despite these differences, both men were immediately captivated by Emma upon first encountering her. Hakim extended his visit to England primarily to observe the evolving dynamic between Emma and William. Upon discovering that Emma loved William, he actively encouraged their union, yet he respected her decision to return to her hometown without attempting to stop her. He only prepared to leave for home after William proposed to Eleanor, feeling that the story lost its excitement once William yielded to societal pressures. According to Mori, Hakim was originally conceived as a straightforward rival to William, but his function within the narrative shifted as the plot unfolded.
