THE INFLUENCE OF FIRDAUS’ EXPERIENCES WITH MEN
ON HER PERCEPTION TOWARDS MEN AS REFLECTED
IN NAWAL EL SAADAWI’S
WOMAN AT POINT ZERO
ASARJANA PENDIDIKAN THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements to Obtain theSarjanaPendidikan Degree
in English Language Education
By
Anggita Lisa Febriana
Student Number: 071214073
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY YOGYAKARTA
THE INFLUENCE OF FIRDAUS’ EXPERIENCES WITH MEN
ON HER PERCEPTION TOWARDS MEN AS REFLECTED
IN NAWAL EL SAADAWI’S
WOMAN AT POINT ZERO
ASARJANA PENDIDIKAN THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements to Obtain theSarjanaPendidikan Degree
in English Language Education
By
Anggita Lisa Febriana
Student Number: 071214073
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY YOGYAKARTA
2012
LET US DO OUR BEST
AND
LET GOD DO THE REST
I dedicate this thesis to my beloved mother, my grandfather and grandmother, to my sisters and brothers, Dhiandra Bima Baskara, Mas Inunk, my best friends Eli and Ria, and all people in my life
ABSTRACT
Febriana, Anggita Lisa (2012). The Influence of Firdaus’ Experiences with Men on Her Perception Towards Men as Reflected in Nawal El Saadawi’s Woman at Point Zero.Yogyakarta: Faculty of Teachers Training and Education, Department of Language and Arts Education, English Education Study Program, Sanata Dharma University.
This study analyses a novel by Nawal El Saadawi’s Woman at Point Zero.
Firdaus is the major character who struggles to free herself from men’s domination. The story begins when men dominate many things in her country, Egypt. They control everything. They do anything as they like. On the contrary, women do not have any right to do something without men’s permission. Firdaus is a woman who hates this domination. She tries not to be dominated by men. Her struggle to be free from them leads her to a prison for killing a pimp. As a result, she is sentenced to death.
There are two problems formulated. The first one concerns Firdaus’ character. The second one concerns the influence of Firdaus’ experiences with men which influence her way on seeing men. This study is a library research. There are two sources used to obtain the data. First source is Nawal El Saadawi’s
Woman at Point Zero. Second sources are obtained from books which consist of psychological and literary theories. The literary theories are used to answer the first problem, which deals with the character and characterization of Firdaus. The experience and perception theories are employed to anwer the second problem related to the influence of Firdaus’ experiences on her way she sees men. Some articles from the internet are also used as additional information to support the related issues. The psychological approach is also employed to analyze how society affects Firdaus’ character. It also explains how experiences change her perception about men.
Firdaus is revealed as independent, smart, optimistic, brave, and revengeful. Her character influences her way of seeing men. Based on Firdaus’ experiences with men, she perceives that men are abusers, rapists, oppressors, and liars. They make use of their status to do anything. What men have in mind is about money, authority, women and sex.
This study presents suggestions for future reseachers of the same novel to analyze lesbian issue between Firdaus and Miss Iqbal. Additionally, the future researchers may also analyze Firdaus’ obstinacy in accepting a death sentence.
Keywords: domination, authority, experience, perception, oppression, abuse
ABSTRAK
Febriana, Anggita Lisa (2012). The Influence of Firdaus’ Experiences with Men on Her Perception Towards Men as Reflected in Nawal El Saadawi’s Woman at Point Zero.Yogyakarta: Faculty of Teachers Training and Education, Department of Language and Arts Education, English Education Study Program, Sanata Dharma University
Studi ini menganalisa sebuah novel berjudul Woman at Point Zero
karangan Nawal El Saadawi. Firdaus adalah tokoh utama yang berjuang untuk membebaskan dirinya sendiri dari dominasi kaum pria. Cerita ini dimulai saat pria memiliki peran dominan. Mereka mengatur banyak hal. Mereka melakukan apapun sesuka hati. Sebaliknya, wanita tidak memiliki hak apapun untuk melakukan sesuatu tanpa ijin dari pria. Firdaus adalah seorang wanita yang membenci dominasi ini. Dia mencoba untuk tidak didominasi pria. Perjuangannya untuk bebas dari dominasi dan kaum pria membuatnya dipenjara karena membunuh seorang germo. Dia pun dijatuhi hukuman mati.
Ada dua masalah dalam studi ini. Pertama adalah penggambaran karakter Firdaus. Kedua adalah pengaruh pengalaman Firdaus yang merubah cara pandangnya terhadap pria. Studi ini menggunakan studi pustaka.
Ada dua sumber yang digunakan untuk memperoleh data. Sumber pertama adalah novel Woman at Point Zero karangan Nawal El Saadawi. Sumber kedua diperoleh dari beberapa buku tentang teori psikologi dan kesusastraan. Teori kesusastraan digunakan untuk menjawab permasalahan pertama tentang karakter Firdaus dan penggambarannya dalam cerita. Teori pengalaman dan persepsi digunakan untuk menjawab permasalahan kedua tentang pengaruh dari pengalaman Firdaus yang merubah cara pandangnya terhadap pria. Beberapa artikel dari internet juga digunakan sebagai informasi tambahan untuk menunjang studi ini. Pendekatan psikologi juga digunakan dalam studi ini untuk menganalisa bagaimanakah masyarakat mempengaruhi karakter Firdaus. Pendekatan ini menjelaskan bagaimakah pengalamannya merubah persepsinya terhadap pria.
Firdaus adalah wanita mandiri, pintar, optimis, berani, dan pendendam. Karakternya mempengaruhi cara pandangnya terhadap pria. Berdasarkan pengalaman-pengalaman Firdaus dengan pria, dia beranggapan bahwa pria adalah penyiksa, pemerkosa, penindas, dan pembohong. Mereka memanfaatkan status mereka untuk melakukan apapun. Apa yang mereka pikirkan hanyalah tentang uang, kekuasaan, dan sex.
Studi ini menampilkan beberapa saran untuk peneliti selanjutnya yang membahas novel yang sama untuk menganalisa masalah lesbian antara Firdaus dan nona Iqbal. Peneliti selanjutnya juga dapat menganalisa ketegaran Firdaus menerima hukuman mati.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My greatest gratitude goes to Jesus Christ, who has made me as I am, for His blessings, for every chance in my life, and for guiding me to finish this thesis. He has never left me in every step I take. I am nothing without Him.
I would like to thank the following people who have supported me in finishing this thesis. I would like to thank my major advisor Drs. L. Bambang Hendarto Y., M.Hum and Sr. Margareth, who patiently gave me suggestions, corrections, and encouragement on my thesis. I also thank my academic advisor, Drs. JB. Gunawan, M.A., for giving me advice during my study. I would like to appreciate all of the English lecturers for teaching me many things in life.
My sincere gratitude also goes to my beloved mother Theodora Indrastuti, my grandpa Drs. AJ. Soewardjo, and my grandma MM. Trisiyah. I also thank my sister Ajeng Ellis Saptarini, my nephew Dhiandra Bima Baskara,and Mas Inunk, and Lestari Rahayu. I would like to thank them for their love, care, trust, prayers, patience, tolerance, understanding, encouragement, and financial support. Their sacrifice and guidance will never be forgotten.
My special thanks to my best friends Eli and Ria, for supporting me in finishing this thesis, and to my friends Mbak Septi, Amel, Beny, Erna, Ephine, and Risma for their love and care. I also thank Mbak Dita, Kentung, Herdian, Rita, Risang, Mbak Pink, Patrick, and Ninggar for sharing their knowledge and giving me suggestions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE ... i
APPROVAL PAGE ... ii
DEDICATION PAGE... iv
STATEMENT OF WORK’S ORIGINALITY ... v
LEMBAR PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI... vi
1.1 Background of the Study ... 1
1.2 Problem Formulation ... 6
1.3 Objectives of the Study... 6
1.4 Benefits of the Study ... 6
1.5 Definition of Terms ... 7
1.5.1 Character ... 7
1.5.2 Characterization ... 7
1.5.3 Experience... 8
1.5.4 Perception... 8
1.5.5 Egyptian ... 8
CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE... 9
2.1 Review of Related Studies... 9
2.2 Review of Related Theories... 10
2.2.1 Character ... 10
2.2.1.1 Definition of Character ... 10
2.2.2 Characterization... 11
2.2.2.1 Definition of Characterization ... 11
2.2.2.2 Ways to Characterize ... 12
2.2.3 Critical Approach ... 12
2.2.4 Experience ... 13
2.2.4.1 Definition of Experience... 13
2.2.4.2 Types of Experience ... 13
2.2.5 Perception ... 15
2.2.5.1 Definition of Perception ... 15
2.2.5.2 Social Perception ... 16
2.2.5.3 Factors Affecting Perception ... 16
2.3 Review of Socio-Historical Background ... 17
2.3.1 The Egyptian Revolution (1952)... 18
2.3.2 Political Environment... 19
2.3.3 Other Economic Sectors... 20
2.3.4 The Ancient Egyptian Society... 22
2.3.5 Household Environment in Egypt ... 23
2.3.6 The Status of Women in Egyptian Society ... 24
2.3.6.1 The Status of Women in Ancient Era ... 24
2.3.6.2 The Status of Women in Modern Era ... 26
2.4 Theoretical Framework... 27
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY... 29
3.1 Object of the Study ... 29
3.2 Approach of the Study ... 30
3.3 Method of the Study ... 31
CHAPTER 4 ANALYSIS... 33
4.1 The Description of Firdaus ... 33
4.1.1 Independent ... 34
4.1.3 Revengeful ... 36
4.1.4 Smart ... 38
4.1.5 Brave ... 39
4.2 The Influence of Firdaus’ Experiences... 41
4.2.1 Firdaus’ Experiences with Men... 44
4.2.1.1 Mohammadin ... 45
4.2.2 Men in Firdaus’ Eyes ... 55
LIST OF APPENDICES
1. The Summary of the Story ... 74
2. The Biography of the Author ... 76
3. Nawal El Saadawi’s Works ... 79
4. The Egyptians-Society ... 81
5. Ancient Egypt (The Egyptian Timeline) ... 84
6. Modern Egypt (The Modern Timeline)... 85
7. Map of Egypt... 87
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This first chapter consists of five parts, namely background of the study, problem formulation, objectives of the study, benefits of the study, and definition of terms. The background of the study gives the explanation about the topic of this study. The problem formulation consists of two questions, which generally describe the problems that will be analyzed in this study. The objectives of the study state the purpose of writing this study. The benefits of the study explain who can get the benefits from the study. The last part is definition of terms which gives the explanation about some terms that are related to the study in order to avoid misconception in reading this study.
1.1 Background of The Study
God creates men and women in order to complete each other. Men can find what they do not have in women. On the other hand, women can find what they do not have in men. Physically men and women are very different. Many men are stronger and bigger than women. Many of them like to fight, while many women like something related to nature, such as flowers and landscapes. Swerdloff (1991) states that “much of the time, women have to depend on men to provide them with enough food to eat and to protect them” (p. 11). Women deal with many physical things in life, such as menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth, by which men’s support is important for them.
Some decades age, women were considered lower than men. People thought that women lacked ability, competence in education, and knowledge. This reason made many men treat women unfairly and inappropriately. Nowadays, many people especially men still have that kind of perception as they think that women are lower than men.
According to Montagu (1999) “in many cultures, women are considered lower than men; they are creative human beings but not quite so creative humans as men” (p. 270). Although there are some women who become presidents, prime ministers or have high position in their jobs, but in fact the perception that they are lower than men is still held in the society.
In certain countries like Egypt, people still think that women are lower than men. It seems that the society cannot change the perception of it. There, women do not mean a thing. Men can do anything to women just as they like. Women cannot deny or make demands on men because the patriarchal society system is strong. Additionally, Amin (1995) states that “from the time of her birth to the time of her death a woman is a slave because she does not live by or for herself. A woman lives through and for the man, depending on him for all her needs” (p. 18). That is why, the perception that women are lower than men cannot go away from the society.
about other people” (p. 6). In literature, we can find so many aspects of life: values, emotions, the power of love, and so on. The works of literature are close to what people think, see, feel, and do in daily experience. So, it is clear that a work of literature can portray a story of the novel into real society. Moreover, it is related to many aspects of humans’ life.
A novel entitled Woman at Point Zero is one of the novels that primarily talks about such issue.The novel is interesting because it talks about women who become the men’s victim in many aspects of life. The novel is one of the best seller novels by Nawal El Saadawi in 1983. The story is very interesting and touching especially for women. The story is about Firdaus as the major character. A man sends her into the prison because she admits that she has killed a pimp. As a matter of fact, the judge condemns her to a death sentence. Knowing that, Firdaus does not try to defend herself. She does not speak to other people at all while she is in the prison.
anytime they ask that kind of question, she always answers yes. It makes her think that men are able to make love with every woman they want if they have enough money.
Firdaus leaves Sharifa’s apartment. She tries to live normally as other women do. She looks for a job here and there. Finally, she gets it and she works in an office. There, she meets a man who makes her feel disappointed. It makes her remember her experiences with men before, by which no one of them treat her well. She learns a lot from it and then she remembers when Sharifa tells her that a man does not know a woman’s value. That is why she herself is the only one who determines her value. Since Firdaus has had many bad experiences with men and then she concludes that they are unable to be loved, she decides to be a high class prostitutes like Sharifa. It seems like revenge from her trauma with men because by being a prostitute she is able to do anything to men.
him very cruelly. She tells it to a man who actually is a prince. First, he does not believe because Firdaus looks very gentle and it seems impossible for her to kill a man. However, she makes him believe it. The prince is very scared and then calls the police and immediately she is sent to prison and charged to be executed. Although she can pay for a lawyer to assist her and even send a letter to the president to release her from the prison, she rejects to do that. She thinks that being executed for killing a pimp is better than being men’s servant. Based on her experiences, she knows that men’s authority is quite difficult to be removed. She wants to assist women’s rights but she has no power to do that. Killing a pimp is one way of getting revenge.
Fidaus’ bad experiences with men make her have a different way in seeing men. She thinks that men should not do just as they like. Men and women have the same rights and opportunities in the society. Besides, there are norms and values which they have to consider.
However, Firdaus also thinks that men should not treat women unfairly because women have an important role in the society, such as taking care of the household and giving birth. On the other hand, men have to support the family’s needs, not only material but also immaterial. Therefore, men and women should support each other.
1.2 Problem Formulation
There are two main questions that this study deals with. They are as follows. 1. How is Firdaus described in the novel?
2. How can the experiences with men influence Firdaus’ way in seeing men?
1.3 Objectives of the Study
There are two purposes of this study. First is to describe Firdaus’ character as the major character in the story. Second is to find out what kind of experiences that she has which influence her way in seeing men. Those two purposes which are stated in the problem formulation helps to analyze the story of the novel
Woman at Point Zero.Besides, it can be employed as the inspiration for people to fight against unfair treatment which usually happens between man and woman.
1.4 Benefits of the Study
almost the same experience happening in their society, this novel and study might give them inspiration to find the solutions.
Students, especially PBI students, are a number of people who are very lucky. They can use this study as their reference in writing their thesis, research, or other studies. While for the researcher, the novel “Woman at Point Zero” is one of my masterpieces.
1.5 Definition of Terms
1.5.1 Character
Abrams (1981) states that “characters are the persons presented in a dramatic or narrative work, who are interpreted by the reader as being endowed with moral and dispositional qualities that are expressed in what they say – dialogue and by what they do- the action” (p. 20). The same idea is also shown by Abcarian and Klotz (1998), who explain that “character is revealed by what persons do, say, and by what the other characters say or reveal” (p. 21). Therefore, the term character in this study refers to the character and behavior in the novel.
1.5.2 Characterization
her” (p. 231). Therefore, the readers are able to conclude the characterization of each character in the novel by themselves considering the signs or methods giving by the writer.
1.5.3 Experience
According to Shahan (1990) “experience is a general concept comprises knowledge of or skill in or observation of some things or some events gained through involvement in or exposure to that thing or event” (p. 1). In this study, experience can be described as moments or events which happen during Firdaus’ life which change her mind in seeing men.
1.5.4 Perception
McLeod (2007) states that “perception may be defined as the process by which an individual selects, organizes and interprets stimuli into a meaningful and coherent picture of the environment in which he lives” (p. 1). It is a complex cognitive process and differs from one individual to another, depending on the needs, values and expectations of the individual.
1.5.5 Egyptian
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter consists of four parts. The first part discusses some theories which support the analysis. They are theories of character, characterization, experience, Egyptian, and trauma. The second part discusses the cultural background in Egypt. The third part presents some studies done by the former researchers. The fourth part is the theoretical framework. It describes how the theories are applied in the analysis.
2.1 Review of Related Studies
There are four researchers who have discussed the same novel Woman at Point Zero. The first researcher is Ong Yoelia (2004) who focuses on the feminism aspect in Egypt which influences the major character in the novel. She digs out more about feminism and makes a relation to the reasons why the major character does not refuse the death sentence. The second is Riska Pareka (2008) who focuses on motivation of the major character in becoming a prostitute in
Woman at Point Zero by Nawal el Saadawi compared toEleven Minutesby Paulo Coelho. She tries to compare and find the same reasons which support the major character in two novels to be a prostitute, not to be an obedient wife or other jobs. The third is Rigen Pratitisari (2004) who focuses on Firdaus’ motivation in becoming a prostitute. Actually, the point of this study is almost the same as Riska Pareka’s study. Thing that makes it different is that Rigen does not compare with
other novels. She really focuses on Woman at Point Zero. The fourth is Dewi Maharani Purba (2006) who focuses on analyzing the motivation of the major character in accepting the death sentence.
This study discusses a different thing that is the influence of Firdaus’ experiences with men which change her way of seeing men. It talks much about Firdaus’ experiences with men which most of them are bad. These make Firdaus change her perception about men. In the beginning she thinks that women have to be obedient to men’s rule, but then she thinks that it does not have to be like that. She rebels the culture where men are the head of everything. She shows that a woman has a power as a man has. As the result, she kills a pimp and then she is sentenced to death. However, she receives it without rebellion because she thinks that it is better to die because of killing a man than living under a man’s control.
2.2 Review of Related Theories
This part will review some theories employed in this study. They are theories of character and characterization, experience, and perception. Additionally, this part will also review the socio-historical background of Egypt.
2.2.1 Character
2.2.1.1 Definition of Character
are expressed in what they say – the dialogue – and what they do – the action” (para. 5). The same idea comes from Abcarian and Klotz (1998) who define that “character revealed by what persons do, say, and by what the other characters say or reveal” (p. 21). Therefore, it can be said that character is the person in a narrative work and her or his behavior or characteristic.
2.2.1.2 Kinds of Character
E.M. Forster divides “two kinds of character. Those are flat and round characters” (as cited in Abrams, 1981, p. 155). A flat character is built around a single idea or quality and is presented without much individualizing detail, and therefore can be described adequately in a single phrase or sentence. It is a constant character acting as a good character. This character never change into bad characters. In other words, constant characters are static. In contrast, a round character is not static. It is complex in temperament and motivation and is represented with subtle particularity; such a character therefore is as difficult to describe with any adequacy as a person in real life, and like real person, is capable of surprising us. It can change over the time and can be seen from many sides.
2.2.2 Characterization
2.2.2.1 Definition of Characterization
Wood, Jr. (1984) defines “characterization as an author’s creative process in creating a character which consists of describing the character’s physical appearances, style, manner, thought, action and other’s opinion about her” (p. 231).
2.2.2.2 Ways to Characterize
Abrams (1981) states “that there are two ways for characterizing the persons in a narrative”. They are “showing and telling” (p. 21). In showing which is also called “the dramatic method”, the author merely presents his characters taking and acting and leaves the reader to infer what motives and dispositions behind what they say and do. However, the author may show not only external speech and actions, but also a character’s inner thoughts, feelings, and responsiveness to events; for a highly developed mode of such inner showing. It means that the readers have to think about characters by themselves with some certain attitude, behavior, speech, and thought shown by the author.
In telling, the author himself intervenes authoritatively in order to describe and often to evaluate the motives and dispositional qualities of the characters. The author states the characters objectively, impersonally, and dramatically. This way makes the readers are able to know the characters easily because the author has stated clearly.
2.2.3 Critical Approach
total integrity of the literary piece; the biographical approach which asserts the important or an appreciation of the ideas and personality of the author to understand the literary object; the sociocultural-historical approach which considers that literature is not created in a vacuum, but it gains ideas from culture, so people can have ethical judgment concerning the truth of the author’s statement; the mythopoeic approach which discover certain universally recurrent patterns of human thought, that they believe it will be significant works of art; the last is the psychological approach which views works through the lens of psychology” (para. 5-8).
2.2.4 Experience
2.2.4.1 Definition of Experience
Shahan (1990) states that “experience is a general concept comprises knowledge of or skill in or observation of some things or some events gained through involvement in or exposure to that thing or event” (p. 81). In this study, experience can be described as moments or events that happen during Firdaus’ life which makes her change her mind about men.
2.2.4.2 Types of Experience
memory, emotion, willingness and imagination. It means that the effect of this experience cannot be seen through the eyes, but it can only be felt.
The third is emotional experience. It is clear that by the name, this type is related to people’s emotion. The real example of this type is when someone is falling in love. At that time, he/she has an emotional experience. The fourth is spiritual experience. It can be considered that it is related to mystics. However, it is not only about mystics, but also about other things such as religious aspect. Next experience is social experience. It is quite clear that this experience provides individuals with the skills and habits necessary for participating within the societies.
Additionally, Shahan (1990) adds that virtual experience and simulation gaming are related to an experience in virtual reality, such as using computer; while simulation gaming is related to games such as video game and role-play (p. 99). Next is immediacy of experience. This can be considered as speed. For example, if someone is forced to be in a certain place immediately, the person might do or not do. At this time, this person gets an immediacy experience. The last is subjective experience. It involves a state of individual subjectivity, perception on which one builds someone’s own state of reality; the reality is based on her/ his interaction with the environment.
by Firdaus’ face that becomes swollen and that her nose is bleeding (p. 46). The second is mental experience. This experience support Firdaus’ decision to be a prostitute. Being treated badly by some men, creates a bad perception. She thinks that men cannot appreciate women. She considers that being a prostitute is better than a wife. This perception makes Firdaus hates men and decides to be a prostitute. The third is emotional experience. Firdaus gets this experience when she falls in love with Ibrahim. Unfortunately, he betrays her by married to the chairperson’s daughter. Additionally, it also can be seen when Firdaus kills a pimp in which she kills him cruelty. It shows how Firdaus shows her emotion and anger to men.
2.2.5 Perception
2.2.51 Definition of Perception
There are some definitions of perception. People, especially experts, may also have the different opinion about it. Common people may think that perception is the same as point of view. However, they might be different. In order to avoid misunderstanding, this is one of the definitions of perception based on McLeod’s opinion.
The word perception comes from the Latin words perceptio or percipio
cognitive process and differs from one individual to another, depending on the needs, values, and expectations of the individual.
2.2.5.2 Social Perception
McLeod (2007) states that “social perception deals with how an individual perceives other individuals”. The primary factors that affect social perception are related to psychological processes. If someone understands his/her own personality well, it becomes easier to understand others accurately. Personal characteristics of an individual may affect the way he/she perceives others. An individual who has a high self-esteem is more likely to perceive favorable aspects in others as well. How accurately an individual perceives others is based on not just a single skill but involves many other skills. The perceiver’s personal characteristics play a major role in influencing the way he interprets target or stimulus. A person’s attitudes, motives, interests, past experiences and expectations affect his/her perception. An individual’s perception is greatly influenced by his/her unfulfilled needs and goals.
2.2.5.3 Factors Affecting Perception
environment into nervous impulses. On the other hand, the brain also determines some aspects of perception. The part of the brain that serves vision has different kinds of cells that respond only under certain conditions of stimulation. Some of these cells respond only when a light goes off.
McLeod (2007) states “three kinds of characteristics which influence someone’s perception” (p. 20). The first is characteristics of perceiver which consist of attitudes, motives, interests, experiences, and expectation. Those characteristics give an important role for someone’s perception. It is because those things determine the way someone perceives. The second is characteristics of target which consist of novelty and familiarity, motives, sound, size, background, and proximity. The third is characteristics of situation that consist of time, work, and social environment. It also holds an important role because the social environment influence someone’ perception and characteristic much. Someone’s characteristic might change because of the social environment that makes he/she change to be like that.
2.3 Review of Socio-Historical Background
2.3.1 The Egyptian Revolution (1952)
Sharabi (1962) explains “the history of Egypt such as the revolution, political environment, other economic sectors, and the status of women in Egypt” (pp. 314-323). In 1952 Egyptian nationalist viewed the incompetent and corrupt of King Farouk’s government. They also viewed that King Farouk’s government were unable to deal effectively with either the British or the problem of Israel. The solution to overcome these problems was to change the country’s leadership.
On 23 July 1952 the military organization called Free Officers launched a coup d’etat that established a new system of government. Then on 26 July 1952 King Farouk was forced to abdicate and left the country. Still in the same year, the military controlled the major instruments of force and there was no significant opposition to their actions. The government was changed into the Revolutionary Command Council (RCC) whose titular head was a senior military officer and one of the few successful Egyptian officers in the 1948 was General Muhammad Naguib. The immediate concern of the RCC was to dismantle the corrupt structures of the monarchy and to create a new political order that would institute major social change. Additionally, the basic goal was to end political corruption and inefficiency and to prevent further humiliations such as the Arab-Israeli War of 1948-1949 and the British control of Egypt.
February, an interim constitutional was proclaimed that provided the terms for the operation of the government. This constitution noted that people were the source of all authority but all power was clearly vested in the RCC. Then, RCC created a new political organization called the National Liberation Rally to replace the banned political parties.
In June 1953 the RCC moved to the next step in the conversion of the political scene. The monarchy was abolished. A republic, with Naguib as both president and prime minister, was declared. The main structural changes were now in place, permitting the processes of government to function within a new framework. The most crucial factor in Naguib’s period was the emergence of Gamal Abdul Nasser as the primary force of Egyptian national life. Slowly Nasser’s role as the guiding force behind the revolution began to clarify and Nasser emerged as the victor a power struggle within the RCC.
On 14 November 1954, the struggle for control between Nasser and Naguib went through several stages. In 1954 Nasser changed Naguid as the president of Egypt. When he led the country, all aspects in Egypt were running very well. In 1970 Nasser died and was replaced by Anwar El-Sadat. The Sadat period brought changes in the political, social and economic domains.
2.3.2 Political Environment
economically and educationally, and in terms of life expectancy, wealth, health, literacy, and most of the other measures of achievement in society.
At the time of the revolution Egypt was a poor country facing a host of social and economic problems: low per-capita income, unequal income distribution, disease, early death, low life expectancy, and a low literacy rate. The Egyptian Revolution of 1952 was launched to deal with political issues. There were two class systems in the society, a very rich upper class and a very poor lower class. The upper class consists of bankers, businessmen, merchants, and landlords controlled the wealth of the country and dominated its political institution. The poor were mostly landless peasants who constituted more than 75 percent of the population. Additionally, they were illiterate and had little opportunity to improve their situation. One of the goals of the revolution was the achievement of social and economic justice by eliminating the corrupt system and the monopoly of health. The new government attempted to raise the standard of living of the average Egyptian and to reduce the poverty and disease that had permeated Egyptian society for so long.
2.3.3 Other Economic Sectors
transport and communication, finance and wholesale trade were primary owned by the government while most retail trade, handicrafts and repair, housing, professional services, and agriculture were privately owned.
In 1962, the Egyptian economy had changed. Ownership of the main branches of economy had been transferred to the government. Government budgets accounted for 60 percent of the GNP. Efforts to improve the economic system were severely hampered by the losses suffered in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. As a consequence, Egypt lost substantial revenues from the closure of the Suez Canal, oil fields in Sinai Peninsula and tourism. The most important thing here was that those three elements had been important to Egypt’s earning of foreign exchange for its development.
was that Egypt remained a poor and developing country; it was densely populated; migration to the cities and many more.
2.3.4 The Ancient Egyptian Society
According to Sharabi (1962) ancient Egypt was a civilization that flourished for over 2000 years, beginning with the Old Kingdom around 2650 BC, and including the various Kingdoms and dynasties through around 700 BC (conquest by Assyria), 525 BC (conquest by Persia), or 332 BC (conquest by Alexander the Great). The Great Pyramid was constructed around 2600 BC, the Sphinx around 2500 BC, but Ramases II of the 19th Dynasty in the period around 1500 BC (p. 340).
In the ancient Egyptian society, there was a structure classifying the people based on their caste or job (Historyonthenet, 2000, p. 1). The ancient Egyptian people were grouped in a hierarchical system with the Pharaoh at the top and farmers and slaves at the bottom. The groups of people nearest the top of society were the richest and most powerful.
region. Priests were responsible for keeping the Gods happy so that the Nile flood and there was a good harvest. They spent their time performing rituals and ceremonies to the God of their temple. Scribes were the only people who could read and write and responsible for keeping records. The ancient Egyptians recorded things such as how much food was produced at harvest time, how many soldiers were in the army, numbers of workers and the number of gifts given to the Gods.
Soldiers were responsible to protect the country. Many second sons, including those of the Pharaoh often chose to join the army. Soldiers were allowed to share riches captured from enemies and rewarded with land for their service to the country. Craftsmen were skill workers such as - pottery makers, leatherworkers, sculptors, painters, weavers, jewellery makers, shoe makers, tailors. Groups of craftsmen often worked together in workshops. Farmers worked the land of the Pharaoh and nobles and were given housing, food and clothes in return. Some farmers rent land from nobles and had to pay a percentage of their crop as their rent. There were no slave markets or auctions in Ancient Egypt. Slaves were usually prisoners captured in war. Slaves could be found in the households of the Pharaoh and nobles, working in mines and quarries and in temples.
2.3.5 Household Environment in Egypt
or traditions which is very different between ancient and modern Egyptian society. In ancient Egyptian society, men hold the highest position in the household, the younger have to respect to older people, children have to respect the parents or older people, and women have to respect men. Arendt adds that the father holds the authority and responsibility, and expects respect and he does not want someone to complain for every one of instructions (p. 29). Men control everything in the household. They forbid the wife to have a job outside the house. The wife’s job is to take care of the house works, children, and husband.
2.3.6 The Status of Women in Egyptian Society
Seawright (2010) states that “the status of women in ancient and modern Egyptian society is in contrast” (p. 311). The explanation about it as follows.
2.3.6.1 The Status of Women in Ancient Era
Seawright (2010) explains much about the status of women in ancient Egypt. They are as follows. Egyptian women had a free life, compared to the contemporaries in other lands. They were not feminists, but they could have power and position if they were in the right class. They could hold down a job, or be a mother if they chose. They could live by themselves or with the family. They could buy and sell to their heart’s content. They could follow the latest fashions or learn to write if they had the chance. They loved and laughed and ate and drunk. They partied and got sick. They helped the husband, they ran the household. They lived a similar life to that of their mother and grandmother in accordance with
The ancient Egyptian women in general were free to go about in public; they worked out in the fields and in estate workshops. They could manage and dispose of private property, including: land, portable goods, servants, slaves, livestock, and money as well as financial instruments. A woman could administer all her property independently and according to her free will. She could conclude any kind of legal settlement. She could appear as a contracting partner in a marriage contract or a divorce contract; she could execute testaments; she could free slaves; she could make adoptions. She was entitled to sue at law.
Marriage was a very important part of ancient Egyptian society. Some people said that marriage was almost a duty to get married. Husbands could marry more than one wife, and people of close relations, such as first cousins, brothers and sisters, could also wed one another. There was no age limit as to when people could be married, but generally a girl did not get married until she had begun to menstruate at about the age of fourteen. Some documents state that girls may have been married at the age of eight or nine, and a mummy of an eleven years old wife has also been found. Marriage required no religious or legal ceremony. There were no special bridal clothes, no exchange of rings, no change of names to indicate marriage, and no word meaning wedding.
of this belonged to the wife; if the marriage ended, she could collect her share. If the husband died while married, the wife got one-third of her husband's property. Re-marriage after widowhood was very common, and some gravesites indicate three or four marriages between one people. Therefore, the status of women in ancient era can be said as a good condition because Egyptian women in ancient era are free to do anything. They also have the same status with men. A wife does not need to ask for a husband’s permission if she wants to do something.
2.3.6.2 The Status of Women in Modern Era
There is no clear explanation from the experts about timeline of modern Egyptian era. However, Scaruffi (1999) states that modern Egyptian era began around 1100s. It was began with Christian Crusaders from Europe which invaded Egypt. In other words, it can be said that modern Egyptian era was began after the ancient era ended, that was around 640 AD (p. 1).
thinks that she makes mistakes. Therefore, it really proves that Egyptian women in modern era considered do not any right.
According to Scaruffi (1999), the changes from ancient to modern Egyptian era happen in some aspect. Life in modern Egypt is a study in contrasts, especially in Cairo, where the constant blasting of the car horns and the loudspeakers of its thousand minarets proclaim both the hectic present and the contemplative past. Modern skyscrapers, highways, a subway system, hotels, restaurants, advertising and western clothing blend together with ancient pharaonic ruins, Islamic mosques, Coptic churches, Middle Eastern garb, bazaars and the odor of cattle in a unique mosaic of life in modern Egypt. I once witnessed a huge caravan of farmers, donkeys and camels making a right turn on a principal Cairo avenue.Life in modern Egypt is a study in contrasts, especially in Cairo, where the constant blasting of the car horns and the loudspeakers of its thousand minarets proclaim both the hectic present and the contemplative past. Modern skyscrapers, highways, a subway system, hotels, restaurants, advertising and western clothing blend together with ancient pharaonic ruins, Islamic mosques, Coptic churches, Middle Eastern garb, bazaars and the odor of cattle in a unique mosaic of life in modern Egypt. I once witnessed a huge caravan of farmers, donkeys and camels making a right turn on a principal Cairo avenue.
2.4 Theoretical Framework
influence her perception towards men. In answering those problems and analyzing the novel, there are some theories employed in this study. In analyzing the first question, the theories needed are character and characterization. These theories are employed to explore Firdaus’ character as the major character in the novel
METHODOLOGY
This chapter consists of three parts, namely object of the study, approach of the study, and method of the study. Object of the study deals with the object of the study itself. Approach of the study covers the approaches used in analyzing the novel. The last part, method of the study, concerns with the steps and process that I have undertaken to conduct and complete this study.
3.1 Object of the Study
The novel discussed in this study is Woman at Point Zero. This novel was written by Nawal El Saadawi, a well known feminist Egyptian writer. She writes many books which most of them are well published. Woman at point Zero
consists of 114 pages in 3 chapters. It was published in English in 1983 by Zed Books Ltd., United Kingdom.
The story of the novel Woman at Point Zero was made based on a true story. It tells about a woman, named Firdaus, who has been sentenced to death for killing a man. Although she has been sentenced to death, she does not assist herself at all. Firdaus is a professional prostitute. She gets many abuses from men, including her uncle. In the beginning of the story, she does not know that others abuse her because she is still completely innocent. She can do nothing when men treat her as they like. She also does not know that Sharifa El Salah Dien is only take the money by selling to men. Firdaus‟ life changes when she meets a woman
who teaches her how to behave well and how to make up softly but glamorous. She tells many things to Firdaus. This woman is actually the person who motivates Firdaus to be a prostitute. She tells her that women are able to decide how much they are. She says that men outside will pay how much the woman asks. Even, they are able to steal somebody else‟s money to pay it. They will do anything to get what they want, including a prostitute. After that, Firdaus knows that she can ask how much a man must pay for her body.
Based on her experiences with men, she finally thinks that being a prostitute is better than being a wife. It is because a wife cannot do anything when their husband asks them to do this or that. On the other hand, a prostitute is able to do anything to a man who wants to have fun with them, and man may not say „no‟. Besides, she thinks that nobody is able to make any decisions for a prostitute‟s life moreover for the higher class of prostitute like herself.
3.2 Approach of the Study
phenomenology motivation, brain functioning, personality, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. By knowing every element in this approach, makes it easier to analyze the psychological aspect of Firdaus‟ characteristics. Additionally, it makes it easier to answer the questions stated in problem formulation
In analyzing the novel Woman at Point Zerowritten by Nawal El Saadawi, the researcher uses the psychological approach. The reason why this study uses the psychological approach is because it is able to explain more about the value behind the story of the novel. It can also be used to answer the questions stated in the problem formulation. Rohrberger and Woods, Jr. (2003) state that “psychological approach involves efforts to locate and demonstrate certain recurrent patterns, but from a different body of language” (pp. 6-15). The psychological approach uses theory of psychology to explain human motivation, personality and behavior patterns written in literary objects, as the focus of the study Firdaus‟ way in seeing men which is based on her experiences with men which influence her way in seeing men then.
3.3 Method of the Study
Third, the researcher made the title. Some problems appeared in making the title because some of the titles had already been used by the former researchers. However, the researcher got a better title, “The Influence of Firdaus‟ Experiences with Men on Her Way She Sees Men as Reflected in Nawal El Saadawi‟sWoman at Point Zero.” Fourth, the researcher looked for some studies which also discussed the novel Woman at Point Zero from the former researchers. It was important to do it in order to have such a comparison among the studies and enrich the understanding about the story.
ANALYSIS
This chapter discusses two questions, which are stated in the problem formulation. The first question deals with the description of Firdaus as the major character. The second question deals with Firdaus‟ experiences with men which influence her way in seeing men.
4.1 The Description of Firdaus
According to E.M Foster „there are two kinds of character, flat and round characters‟ (as cited in Abrams, 1981, p. 155). Additionally, he adds that a round character is not static; he changes over the time and can be seen from many sides. Based on that explanation about characters, Firdaus belongs to a round character. It is because Firdaus changes from a very gentle woman to a very cruel woman.
Abrams (1981) states „there are two ways for characterizing the person in narrative; they are showing or dramatic method and telling‟ (p. 21). In order to know about Firdaus‟ character, the readers have to think by themselves. They can conclude how Firdaus character is by seeing her speech, action, attitude, and many more. As Abrams (1981) says, the author merely presents his/her characters taking and acting and leaves the reader to infer what motives and dispositions behind what they say and do (p. 21). Related to that, there are some characteristics of Firdaus which can be seen from her action, attitude, speech, and so on. Those explanation above can be used to analyze Firdaus‟ character in the novel.
4.1.1 Independent
Firdaus is an independent woman. This character does not change from the beginning of the story until the end. There are some facts which show that Firdaus is an independent woman. When she lives in her uncle‟s house, she washes and cleans the house. She irons her uncle‟s clothes and cooks for him. She does the household jobs (p. 20). She also prepares things before her uncle comes back from El Azhar, such as cooking food. When her uncle comes back from El Azhar they will eat it together (p. 20). Since she has to go to school, her uncle sends her to school. Another day, her uncle and his wife take her away from the house. They put her in the boarding girls section of the school. She does not know the reason why they send her there. Thus, she stays at the boarding house (p. 23).
After graduating, she goes back to her uncle‟s house. She hears her uncle and his wife talking about her. The wife says that they cannot wait for her to get a job. Besides, there is no place for her to live in that house. Moreover, if she wants to continue her study, she says that the children have many needs. Her uncle tells his wife that Firdaus can help his wife to cook food for them or clean the house, but his wife does not give the chance. Finally, they decide to get her married Syeikh Mahmoud. Unfortunately, after marriage Sheikh treats her very badly seem like they are not a husband and wife.
protect herself. „He said, “Every prostitute has a pimp to protect her from other pimps, and from the police. That‟s what I‟m going to do. But I can protect myself”, I said”‟ (p. 134). Based on Firdaus‟ conversation in rejecting the pimp‟s offer, she cannot depend her life on others. There is nobody she can believe and there is nobody who can protect her. That is why she becomes an independent woman.
4.1.2 Optimistic
From the beginning until of the end of Firdaus‟ life, she always shown as an optimistic person. In facing her difficult life, Firdaus seems never to give up. When she faces many bad things in her life, she tries to find another way and place to go that makes her still alive and safe. Hopes are always shown in her face. She always thinks that there must be a place, a better place than her husband‟s house, her parents‟ house, her uncle‟s house for her to live normally. She keeps trying to find a proper job with her certificate; she hopes she can have a better life. Therefore, Firdaus is an optimistic person and this character never changed during her life.
Every time there was an advertisement I applied for the job. I went to all the ministries, departments, and company offices where there might be a vacancy. And finally, by dint of these efforts, I at last found a job with one of the big industrial concerns. (p. 79)
house, a small room exactly where she rents from an old woman. She does not have the best facilities as she lives in her luxurious house. She has to walk for a while when she needs go to the toilet. Additionally, she has to join in a queue every morning when she is going to take a bath (p. 80). She realizes that being an office worker is harder than a prostitute. She has to work hard, discipline, patient, and able to be considered as lowest woman. However, she thinks positively. She keeps working in that job in order to have a normal life.
4.1.3 Revengeful
knows personally the man in the picture. If fact, she does not know them all personally (p. 9).
Those experiences make her change from being a gentle woman into a revengeful woman. However, this character appears after she grows up. When she is adult, she realizes that she hates men. That is why she becomes revengeful. She knows well that she cannot do anything to save her life and other women from the men‟s authority. She realizes that everything around is under men‟s control. They control all aspects in daily life. They make rules which all of them are damaging the prestige to women. They do corruption to make them get richer and richer. They never think about others‟ life (pp. 26-27).
Firdaus‟ revenge is accidentally paid for when she kills a pimp. Her way in killing him shows her satisfaction to reply what she gets as men‟s authority. Since she has no courage to oppose men‟s arrogance and authority, she restrains the revenge into the deepest part of her heart. When there is a pimp who tries to control her life, she refuses. Therefore, when she kills him, she does it easily.
His hand started to reach for the knife he carried in his pocket, but my hand was quicker than his. I raised the knife and buried it deep in his neck, pulled it out of his neck and then thrust it deep into his belly. I stuck the knife into his flesh, and pulled it out almost without effort. (p. 104)
By seeing all of those proofs, it can be said that Firdaus is revengeful to men.
4.1.4 Smart
Living and growing up in a poor family does not make her give up her motivation to study. Although her family belongs to lower class, it does not make her lose hope. She wants to get the highest level of education. She thinks that by having a good education, guarantees her to have a better life. Therefore, she studies hard in order to be able to school up to the highest level. In fact, she cannot school up to the highest level of education because she comes from a lower class (p. 10).
Firdaus‟ uncle teaches Firdaus to read and write. He teaches her the alphabet and some verses in the Koran. He is smart and an educated man. He studies at El Azhar. After her parents‟ death, he takes her in his house in Cairo. There he teaches her many things (pp. 13-14). She wants to go to school as her uncle does. She tells him that she wants to school in El Azhar too, but her uncle says that El Azhar is a school for men and that women cannot school there (p. 15). It shows how enthusiastic she is to go to school. Fortunately, when she lives in her uncle‟s house, she is sent to school. When she is studying at school, she shown as a smart girl. It can be seen when she finds that she loves reading books, while the other girls are busy talking about their boyfriends (p. 26).
from a lower class. “I still had my secondary school certificate, my certificate of merit, and a sharp decisive mind determined to find respectable work” (p. 79). Unfortunately, having the best mark and a secondary certificate is not enough to have a better life. Her smartness seems useless because she cannot apply the knowledge that she gets from school into the real life.
4.1.5 Brave
Firdaus is a brave woman. What makes her different from others is that she has a different perception about men. She thinks that as a woman she has to be appreciated no matter how much she has to pay. Firdaus‟ experiences with men support her to be a respectable woman. By being a respectable woman, she will not be treated badly by men. They are not even able to make their eyes run all over her body (p. 79).
Life makes her a brave woman. There are many reasons which show that Firdaus is a brave woman, such as she used to live under men‟s control and she hates men so much. The best of her act which shows her bravery is that when she chooses the death sentence rather than asking the President to pardon her. She does not try to ask the pardon to the president. She says that it will be in vain. She adds that giving her freedom is as the same as letting her kill many more men.
„There‟s hope for your release if you send an appeal to the President asking him to pardon you for the crime you committed.‟
„But I don‟t want to be released.‟ I said, „and I want no pardon for my crime. For what you call my crime was no crime.‟
„You killed a man.‟
„If I go out once again to the life which is yours I will never stop killing. So what is the use of my sending an appeal to the President to be pardoned?‟
„Everybody has to die. I prefer to die for crimes which you have committed.‟ (p. 111)
Those moments show that Firdaus is really a brave woman. Even, her bravery is shown from the beginning until the end of the story. When she loose her family and has to live by herself, she faces it bravery. At the end, when she is sentenced to death she prefers to be sentenced to live under men‟s control. She is brave enough to face the death soon in which she never imagined.
In the rest of her life, she has really shown as a brave woman. She prefers to die than live under men‟s authority. She is not even being afraid of death which is waiting for her in a short time.
Through many experiences in life, Firdaus is shaped to be a tough woman. Being abused by her uncle, exploited by the pimps, oppressed by many people around her, is a hard life. Violences she usually gets from her mother and her father, marriage with a hideous man, and betrayed lovers, add bad experiences that she has. Every time she makes love with a man, she always pretends that she feels the pleasure although the fact is she feels nothing (p. 53).
possible to live? Life is so hard. You must be harder than life, Firdaus. Life is very hard. The only people who really live are those who are harder than life itself” (p. 57). Under Sharifa‟s guidance, she promises herself to be as strong as men at least. She does not want to be seen lower than them. She wants to abolish woman‟s slavery created by men‟s control.
4.2 The Influence of Firdaus’ Experiences
This part discusses about the second question that is stated in the problem formulation. It deals with the influence of Firdaus‟ experiences with men which influence her way in seeing men. During her life, Firdaus has many experiences with men and most of them are related to abuse. She believes that men control everything in the country. Men consider women as second-class citizens and only good for sexual purposes and taking care of the family.
become the cruelest men than the others. Both of them hit her hardly. Bayoumi is her hideous husband. He hits her until her face and her body become swollen and bruised. He even hits her until the blood runs from her nose and ear (pp. 46-47). On the other hand, Bayoumi does the same thing. Unfortunately, he is the only person who slaps her hardest (p. 52). However, it leads her to hate men and that hatred leads her into being revengeful to men.
Mental experience that is meant here is about the combination of thought, perception, memory, emotion, willingness and imagination on men‟s authority. The way men treat Firdaus creates a negative perception about them. What she has in her mind is that man is an abuser, an oppressor, a rapist, a corruptor, and many more. Emotional feeling that can be said as her revenge to men cannot be transferred since she is afraid of men. Nevertheless, later she transfers it when she kills a pimp. The other experience which she has is social experience. It is related to the society. The society where she lives considers that women are men‟s slaves. Men are higher than women. Therefore, women have to do what the men say. In a certain time, it is contradicted the fact which she does not want to do that. She is smart enough; even she gets an appreciation when she graduates in secondary school. She wishes she could have a better life by having that certificate from school and good marks. She wishes she gets a proper job and works in an office. It makes her think optimistically about her life in the future where there is nobody controls her life anymore.
three kinds of characteristics which influence someone‟s perception (p. 20). In this case, Firdaus belongs to the first characteristic that is characteristic of perceiver. This point consists of attitudes, motives, interests, experiences, and expectation. In Firdaus‟ life, men dominate those five things. They have an important role in her life. They show bad attitudes which make her hate them so much. As the result, she is revengeful to men for what they have done. They also create bad motives which make her decide to be a prostitute. They create bad experience and expectation which make her feel nothing and have no idea about life and love. Therefore, when she is sentenced to death, she prefers to die than live under men‟s control and authority.
is hurt by men. After being abuse, she goes without destiny. However, she is optimistic to find a better place. Moreover, she has a secondary certificate. Unfortunately, when she works in an office, a man she loves hurts her. It adds her hatred to men getting bigger. Thus, she is revengeful to every man. They dominate many things that women cannot get their right. They concern on their own needs and how to be richer and richer (pp. 26-27). It makes her become a prostitute again to get the freedom as a woman (pp. 94-97).
The other of Firdaus‟ characteristic that influence her way in seeing man is her bravery. In the end of the story, she is sent to a prison for killing a pimp. It starts from her experiences which she is being raped, abuse, and oppressed by men. She revenges to what they have done. Finally, it makes her brave enough to kill a man. Thus, her characteristics bring a big contribution for her influence in seeing men. Formerly, she accepts the rule that men are higher than women and that women have to be obedience to men especially a husband. However, she breaks the rule.
4.2.1 Firdaus’ Experiences with Men
4.2.1.1 Mohammadain
Since the background of Egypt is agrarian, many people there become farmers. They farm and breed, and usually the children will follow their parents to the field. Mohammadain is Firdaus‟ friend when she is a child. They used to play together in the field with the other friends. They both like to play bride and bridegroom. It is their favorite games because they use to play it many times. In a field, when they are playing it, he touches a part of her body which she does not know where it is (p. 12). This is the first time she feels that she experiences a kind of sexual desire. Additionally, there is no good thing that he gives to Firdaus. Mohammadin always treats her badly since there is no more explanation about Firdaus and Mohammadin‟s relationship. However, Mohammadin does the same bad treatment as Firdaus‟ uncle does. „He was doing to me what Mohammadin had done to me before‟ (p. 13).
4.2.2.2 Firdaus’ Uncle
My galabeya often slipped up my thighs, but I paid no attention until the moment when I would glimpse my uncle‟s hand moving slowly from behind the book he was reading to touch my leg. The next moment I could feel it travelling up my thigh with a cautious, stealthy, trembling movement. Every time there was the sound of a footstep at the entrance to our house, his hand would draw quickly. But whenever everything around us lapsed into silence, broken only every now and then by the snap of dry twigs between my fingers as I fed the oven, and the sound of his regular breathing reaching me from behind the book so that I could not tell whether he was snoring quietly in his sleep or wide awake and panting, his hand would continue to press against my thigh with a grasping, almost brutal insistence. (p. 13)
After her parents death, Firdaus‟ uncle takes her with him in Cairo. He studies in El Azhar since men have more rights and opportunities than women. However, Cairo is a big city in Egypt and a woman is able to go to school as a man does. Later, he sends her to school. After school, she sweeps and cleans the house; washes her uncle‟s clothes, makes his bed, and tidies his books. Her uncle teaches her how to read and write. They spend the time and activities together. He does even read a story before she sleeps. Day by day, she feels that she is falling in love with him, but she cannot say that she is falling in love with him (p. 21). He marries his teacher‟s daughter in El Azhar. Since they have already married, they put Firdaus in the girls section of boarding school. She lives there until she graduates. However, sending her to schoo and teaching her is the only good thing which is done by her uncle because this is not his responsible, but in fact he does it. It can be seen as a proof that her uncle loves her just as her father.
He taught me the alphabet, and after my father died he sent me to elementary school. Later, when my mother died, he took me with him to Cairo. (p. 19)
the highest position. Everything they do is meant that the children and women have to respect and are forbidden to protest. Firdaus cannot do anything when her uncle does abuse because of that rule.
4.2.1.3 Sheikh Mahmoud
After graduating from the school, Firdaus goes back to her uncle‟s house. He has two children. Therefore, his wife does not like if she lives in that house. She tells her husband the reasons, such as the children have many needs, they cannot wait for her to find a job, there are many people in that house, and many more. Then she has an idea to marry her off with her uncle named Sheikh Mahmoud. He is more than sixty years old. His wife has just passed away and he has no children. Additionally, he is very rich and so he is able to pay a lot of money to marry her. Firdaus does not have any idea about marriage since she does not want to marry yet. One thing she wants from her marriage is that her husband loves and protects her so she can live safety. In fact, she does not get what a wife should have in a marriage. Sanford states that marriage involves not only a relationship but also the carrying out of certain life functions. Buying and caring for a house, creating financial security, maintaining a network of mutually enjoyable and meaningful social relationships, and raising a family are typical pursuits shared by a man and a woman in marriage (p. 159).
leave her husband‟s house. She goes to her uncle‟s house only to find her uncle‟s admittance that it is a duty for husband to hit his wife. His wife adds that she often hit by her husband (p. 46). After that, her uncle takes her back to her husband‟s house. He always controls everything that she does. Her husband says nothing to her until the next morning he shouts to her angrily. Another day he hits her harder than before until the blood runs from her nose and ears. This causes her to run away from house (p. 47). This time she does not go back to her uncle‟s house because he will tell to return to her husband‟s house. However, the rule about a marriage is the husband has a power to control toward the wife‟s life. However, it considers appropriate for Sheikh Mahmoud to hit Firdaus and control everything that she does since they are a husband and wife. Although Firdaus is his wife, in fact he always treats her badly. His character in treating Firdaus badly never change from the beginning of their marriage until Firdaus goes away from his house after he hits her hardly until her face becomes swollen and blood runs from her nose.
On one occasion he hit me all over with his shoe. My face and body became swollen and bruised. So I left the house and went to my uncle‟s house. (p. 46)
…
one of the instructions. Therefore, if a wife does not follow her husband‟s rule, he may hit his wife. However, Sheikh always treats Firdaus badly.
4.2.1.4 Bayoumi
Firdaus does not know where she has to go after she leaves her husband‟s house. She has no family to live. She walks a long the street. When she is sitting down to rest on an empty chair, she smells coffee. Since she is very hungry and thirsty, she pays attention to that smell. Then, there is a waiter boy coming closer to her and asks if she wants to drink. She asks for a glass of water. He is very angry and advice her to go to the mausoleum if she wants water. He adds that she can get all the water as much as she needs (p. 48). Then he leaves her. After some times, he comes a long with the owner with a glass of water. The owner is Bayoumi. He looks very kind and polite. He gives her a place in his house to stay.
She lives in his house while waiting for a job. After some days, she tries to ask him about the job he promises. Then he shouts at her angrily. She is so surprised because he always looks very kind, patient, and polite to her, but suddenly he changes to become into such a wild animal. He begins to slap, hit, rape, and abuse Firdaus.
His hand was big and strong, and it was the heaviest slap I had ever received on my face (p. 52).
…
The next moment he hit me with his fist in the belly so hard that I lost consciousness immediately (p. 53).
…
Bayoumi also begins to copulate with her and it happens many times. The fact is that women are considered as the lowest part in the society and they cannot do anything they want. On the other hand, men are considered as the highest part in the society and they can do anything. Men are the head of everything in the country. Women cannot make use of their right. Since the condition and culture in that country strengthen men‟s position, makes Bayoumi abuses and rapes Firdaus.
Unfortunately, the man who copulates with her is not only Bayoumi. Another time, a man comes and copulates with her. She knows that he is not Bayoumi. When she tries to ask who he is, he does not answer. He keeps forcing her to have sex. Since she is afraid of him, she does nothing (p. 53). Firdaus is being caged by Bayoumi so she cannot leave the house. As she is optimistic girl, she believes that she can run away from Bayoumi‟s house. Fortunately, a neighbour sees her being caged. Firdaus tells her everything. A neighbour tries to help her to leave Bayoumi‟s house. Since the door is locked, she calls the carpenter as Firdaus asks. Finally, she can escape away from Bayoumi‟s house.
