Exploring Arab Women :: Arab Culture Cultural Marriage Essays

Exploring Arab Women In Liyana Badrs novel, A Balcony over the Fakihani, the ref witnesses Yusras experience with water system as she proclaims that, Ill shell stay bank Ive shes filled my her jerry can even if I she dies doing it (Badr, 10) While Maha the main feminine character in Fadia Faqirs Pillars of season, and her husband immersed our their bodies in the warm up water, (Faqir, 54) of the Dead Sea as they sh ar their beginning(a) love qualification experience. Yasmina teaches granddaughter Fatima of the liberating power of water in Fatima Mernissis lyrical coming of hop on account of harem life in Dreams of Trespass. While Asya, the primary effeminate character in Ahdaf Soueifs In the Eye of the Sun, jet sets amidst the pools of the posh and exclusive Cairo country clubs and summer cruises in the Mediterranean. Yet, Leila Al-Atrashs female character Nadia only mentions water in passing as she showers to avoid the presence of her husband. While one woman is desperate for a drop of water and willing to risk her life to achieve it, others physical exertion it as a vehicle to outsmart a dominating first wife, while another fully engages with water in the convenience of her home. This variance in the Authors usage and need water reflects the greater diversity in the identity of the Arab woman . In the five literary works Pillars of Salt by Fadia Faqir, A Woman of Five Seasons by Leila Al-Atrash, A Balcony everywhere the Fakihani by Liyana Badr, Dreams of Trespass by Fatima Mernissi, and In the Eye of the Sun by Ahdaf Soueif, water can mean different things to different people and these differing witnesss of water reflect the diversity of class, societal expectations, education and socio-economic status that exists in Arab women. Therefore, these authors are establishing a multi-faceted view of Arab women, and challenge the reader to abolish their own fond constructions and stereotypes about the Arab woman. In an effort to organize and disaggreg ate the wealth of experience and noesis relayed through these novels this discourse ic compiled to consider the following what is the historical epitome and portrayal of Arab women? How do the reckons represented by these authors challenge this historical image? What are the implications of a singular image of Arab women? What lessons does one learn from the multi-dimensional view of Arab women in relation to Western feminism?