The inhabitants of the alley are haunted by the legacy of their patriarch, Gebelawi, mirroring the biblical Adam. Each generation grapples with the same struggles for power, justice, and spiritual understanding. From the tyrannical rule of the overseer to the rise and fall of saviors claiming Gebelawi's mantle, the novel suggests a cyclical pattern of human behavior, where past mistakes are often repeated.

A central tension lies between blind faith and questioning. Characters grapple with the decrees of an unseen Gebelawi, their beliefs shaken by hardship and injustice. The arrival of each prophet-like figure offers a glimmer of hope, yet their teachings are often distorted over time, leading to further conflict and questioning the nature of true faith.

Mahfouz paints a stark picture of life in the alley, highlighting the vast disparities between the powerful and the powerless. The overseer and his cronies exploit the impoverished residents, mirroring broader societal injustices. The novel explores themes of rebellion, with characters rising up against oppression and seeking a fairer existence. However, their victories are often short-lived, prompting reflection on the deep roots of social inequality.