# XX explained — Veiled Women

> Chapter companion for Veiled Women by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## What happens

During the summer heat, part of the harem stays at a farm near Benha. Barakah gives lessons, Hamdi causes trouble, and the month of Ramadan brings tension. The famous singer Tâhir visits and performs, captivating everyone. Hamdi begs to join him but is refused. After Ramadan, the party returns to Cairo, where Barakah receives a letter from Mrs. Cameron that she tears up in annoyance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cultural Clash and Identity

Barakah, a former English governess, teaches French and English to the children and servants, blending Western education with harem life.

### Gender Roles and Patriarchy

Hamdi is scolded and threatened with marriage by his mother; the harem women's movements are restricted and they travel in a procession behind the men.

### Superstition and Tradition

The arrival of Tâhir is seen as a rapturous surprise; the women's excitement and the ritual of Ramadan fasting and breaking the fast are depicted.

## Character check-ins

### Barakah

Exempt from fasting as an invalid; gives French and English lessons; is kind to Hamdi; tears up Mrs. Cameron's letter.

### Fitnah Khânum

Takes delight in talking with villagers; scolds Hamdi and threatens to marry him to Na'imah.

### Hamdi Bey

Barakah's younger brother-in-law; attached to Barakah; dreams of escaping with Tâhir; threatened with marriage to Na'imah.

### Tâhir

Famous singer who visits the farm; performs for the harem; kindly allows Hamdi to play his lute; refuses to take Hamdi with him.

### Fatûmah

Galla slave; excited by Tâhir's performance; delivers Mrs. Cameron's letter to Barakah.

### Ghandûr

His wife is exempt from fasting as a nursing-mother; travels to see his wife at the farm.

## Key lines

> And now my mother threatens to unite me to the most hateful daughter of a dog that ever yelped and bit.

Hamdi complains that his mother wants to marry him to Na'imah, whom he despises.

_Hamdi's frustration with his mother's threat of an unwanted marriage._

> I would have given my right hand to go with him. Like that I could escape from persecution and accursed Na'imah, and dwell forever in the sound of music which transports my soul.

Hamdi tells Barakah he would do anything to join Tâhir and escape his tormentors and Na'imah.

_Hamdi's longing to escape his life through music._

> It grieves me much to learn that you have been seriously ill. ... Please never forget that I am your sincere friend.

Mrs. Cameron writes to Barakah expressing concern about her illness and friendship.

_Barakah's reaction to the letter from her former friend._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters/xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/veiled_women_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/veiled_women_se/chapters