XIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Cultural Clash and Identity

  Barakah's conflict with Yûsuf over her solo outing highlights the clash between English and Egyptian norms of female behavior and honor.

• Gender Roles and Patriarchy

  Yûsuf's rage and physical punishment of Barakah, along with her confinement, underscore the patriarchal control over women's movements and actions.

• Colonialism and Imperial Power

  The presence of the English Consul and the European doctor, as well as Barakah's threat to appeal to the Consul, reflect the colonial power structures intersecting with personal relationships.

Characters to notice

• Barakah

  Falls ill with typhoid after her outing, endures Yûsuf's wrath, and is confined to her room; later receives an apology from the Pasha.

• Yûsuf Bey

  Rages at Barakah for going out alone, accusing her of dishonoring him; later relents and seeks reconciliation.

• Muhammad Pasha Sâlih

  Visits Barakah to apologize and explain the local customs regarding women's conduct.

• Amînah Khânum

  Shows sympathy for Barakah and offers advice about the word 'durrah' meaning both fellow-wife and parrot.

• Fatûmah

  Makes rude grimaces at Barakah and later snuggles up to her after Barakah's outburst.

• Ghandûr

  Sent to fetch Yûsuf when Barakah falls ill.

Key passages

• ““My dear,” she said, “you’ve set the parrots talking. Do you know that ‘durrah,’ which means fellow-wife, means parrot too? Bear that in mind. Their tongues!⁠—They fail to comprehend. They think you are bewitched or mad. For me, your conduct was entirely natural. But I fancy you will give up walking here in Egypt.””

  Amînah Khânum warns Barakah that the other wives (parrots) are gossiping about her, but she herself finds Barakah's behavior understandable, though she predicts Barakah will stop walking alone in Egypt.

  Amînah Khânum's advice to Barakah about the wordplay and the harem's gossip.

• ““You have betrayed my honour in thus going forth alone. The servants of the English house who know you will send a whisper and a laugh through all the markets. And those who saw you walking in the dust!⁠ ⁠… Have you no shame, no delicacy? What will my father say? The news will kill him! You have killed my father!””

  Yûsuf accuses Barakah of dishonoring him by going out alone, fearing gossip among the English and Egyptians, and claims the news will kill his father.

  Yûsuf's outburst about honor and shame after Barakah's outing.

• ““Your talk is madness! Have a care! The punishment is death for one renouncing El Islam. Say, is that your meaning? Your own slaves will kill you!””

  Yûsuf threatens Barakah with death if she renounces Islam, warning that even her own slaves would kill her.

  Yûsuf's threat regarding apostasy in Islam.