# XXI explained — Veiled Women

> Chapter companion for Veiled Women by Marmaduke Pickthall.

## What happens

Barakah reflects on the differences between Eastern and Western views on love, marriage, and motherhood. She witnesses the death of a baby and the consolation offered by the harem women, observes Hamdi Bey's reluctant wedding that quickly turns happy, and grapples with her own fears and yearnings centered on her son Muhammad.

## Themes in this chapter

### Polygamy and Marriage

The chapter contrasts Eastern and Western views on marriage, showing Hamdi's forced wedding turning happy and the harem women's acceptance of polygamy as natural.

### Motherhood and Legacy

Barakah's adoration of her son Muhammad and her dreams for his future, alongside the scene of Nasîbah's baby's death and the communal consolation, highlight the centrality of motherhood.

### Cultural Clash and Identity

Barakah's internal conflict between her English upbringing and her life in the harem, her wish to show an Englishwoman the harem scenes, and her divided sense of self.

## Character check-ins

### Barakah

Reflects on her divided life, her love for her son Muhammad, and her hidden yearnings; writes a venomous note to Mrs. Cameron to end their acquaintance.

### Gulbeyzah

Comforts Nasîbah after her baby's death and offers to give her next child to Nasîbah to nurse; later explains the Eastern view of love to Barakah.

### Hamdi Bey

Complains bitterly about his forced marriage to Na'imah, but is completely changed the next day, becoming a fond husband.

### Ghandûr

Calls for Hamdi Bey to hurry to the wedding bath, carrying his wedding garments.

### Fitnah Khânum

Praises matrimony as a panacea for young people's crotchets after Hamdi's successful marriage.

### Bedr-ul-Budûr

Explains the Eastern view of love alongside Gulbeyzah, emphasizing that women ask only the gift of love from men.

## Key lines

> most men love more than one of us, whereas most women need but love itself, the hope of children

Men are naturally polygamous, while women only require love and the prospect of motherhood.

_Gulbeyzah and Bedr-ul-Budûr explain the Eastern view of love to Barakah._

> It is not as if thou wert left altogether desolate. Are we not one, we four? Thou hast two children left, since ours are thine

You are not alone; we are a family, and our children are also yours.

_The harem women console Nasîbah after her baby's death, emphasizing their solidarity._

> Love is a blessing that brings gratitude as surely as the Nile makes plants to grow.

Love naturally inspires thankfulness, just as the Nile's floods cause vegetation to thrive.

_Gulbeyzah explains to Barakah why Hamdi's attitude changed after marriage._

## Links

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