World Literature

“That could be for years. The house is small and life is expensive. She eats twice as much as any of our children” (46). “But this girls movement is slow and heavy. She’s cold blooded and couldn’t care less […] we can be rid of her by sending her to the university” (47). “Why should she refuse him? This is her best chance to get married. Do not forget what a nose she has. It’s big and ugly like a tin mug.” (48). “No, your holiness, for the sake of the Prophet. No this is sinful” (51).

Firdaus’ aunt is a prime example of how women were treated and how they treated each other in this society. Women were already treated harshly by their male counterparts, and at times they decided to direct their feelings towards other women. Firdaus’ aunt is likely raped and/or abused by her husband, and knows that Firdaus’ has experienced the same, yet has some sort of resentment towards her. The aunt does not want Firdaus’ in the house maybe because she is taking the attention away from her as the adult woman in the house, yet she does not want to be touched by her husband. In this society, women are treated the same, yet they do not confide in one another. You would think that they would protect each other from the wrath of other men, but instead they simply turn against each other even when they are facing the same problems. The author may be hinting at the fact that this may continue as a trend in Firdaus’ life. She may encounter other women who are facing the same issues as herself, but instead of helping each other out, they may show signs of resentment and jealousy.