If someone did not have power in the society, it would be really hard for that person to make a living. In the short story “In Camera” by Nawal El Saadawi, Saadawi used very detailed descriptions and created many images throughout the story. I feel this is a very interesting story, because it keeps my attention on reading further and further to get what is actually happening in the story. After I read the whole story, I finally get that the main character, Leila Al-Fargani, got raped and were suffering from the pain afterward.
Leila Al-Fargani had a very strong living attitude even though she suffered in an injustice world. She were taught that she as a woman did not have power to get a better living, but she used her speech and cursed at whoever was rude to her. She was even so brave to tell that “God is stupid,” while God was in the highest rank during that time. I feel the story can tell people who also feel that the world is injustice to continue living, because we have our family to look after us. Like Leila Al-Fargani had suffered and lived in jail, but she still always think of her family members and wonder how they are doing. She did not have the thought of killing herself, which I think is a positive living attitude to learn from.
When I read on the part which the lawyer was doing his job and helping Leila Al-Fargani to plead and also said “God is stupid,” and faced accusation from the judge. That makes me feel the author was living in a society which had a lot of injustice things going on around her, and many problems were caused from political power. However, I still do not get how the whole story relates to “camera” which is the title of story.
Another great post! I’ve really, really enjoyed reading what you’ve had to say about our class texts, and I’m so pleased that you’ve been able to use your blog as a platform for expressing your ideas about the readings because your insights are just–fabulous. You have a sensitive, informed, engaged critical eye. And to top it off, your work here is so original; your use of images, for instance, adds a layer of meaning and interest for your readers. Thanks so much for all your work here. I’ve benefitted a lot from reading your posts.