Woman At Point Zero By Nawal El Saadawi

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In the novel Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi El Saadawi reveals a narrative about a woman named Firdaus who is sentenced to death after murdering a pimp in a Cairo street. Nawal, who is both the author and a narrator of the book, is a physiatrist that almost instantly forms a certain interests for Firdaus. As Firdaus’ stubbornness attracts Nawal to her physiatrist journey, El Saadawi notes Firdaus’ desire to be executed and accept death even though she was given the opportunity to spend a life in prison rather than be executed, As the novel progresses, Firdaus reveals her anger and bitter life to El Saadawi that revolves around the setting Firdaus has been from childhood to adulthood. With this, El Saadawi creates sympathy and admiration towards Firdaus because of Firdaus’ environment. As a result of this empathy, the setting is essential to Firdaus’ characterization as her surroundings prove her to be a brave and independent woman during the mid-1970s. Immediately, El Saadawi implies the character of Firdaus should be admired through her writing style and dialogue. Entering the Qanatir Prison, El Saadawi notes Firdaus’ “indifference to everything” (3) and her attitude of “total rejection” (3) Right away, a physiatrist like El Saadawi can note the significance of a person and immediately spots it in Firdaus. As Firdaus refused to speak to anyone in prison, this reflects the theme of power throughout the novel. In the Arab culture, it is rare for a woman to demonstrate power and Firdaus’ refusal to speak to anyone and welcome death show her power overrules the power that is inferior to men that makes her brave. Because the impression of Firdaus’ is first made in prison as a “real woman” (1), this emphasizes El Saada... ... middle of paper ... ...ller” not only takes a lot of courage in the Arab society while being a woman, but portrays the mentally strong character, in this case, Firdaus. Nawal El Saadawi unfolds the bitter life of Firdaus but develops her character through the setting she overcame. Firdaus serves a significant character not only to the Arab society, but to all cultures. Her character represents a woman striving for the control of her own body, thus acquiring power and freedom despite the position of men in society. As a result of this, the environment corresponds with Firdaus that allows this character to be an inspiration and looked at with sympathy. Even though the murder that Firdaus committed can be viewed as insensitive, it was her way of fighting for a woman’s power and control of herself in the Arab society that ultimately makes her brave and independent as she won her battle.

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