Veiled Women · Chapter
The Gathering Storm explained
Yûsuf Pasha navigates the political turmoil of the 'Urâbî Revolt, meeting with other notables at his father's house to discuss the crisis.
What happens
Yûsuf Pasha navigates the political turmoil of the 'Urâbî Revolt, meeting with other notables at his father's house to discuss the crisis. He learns he is marked as a suspected notable by the new Committee for Public Safety and plans to bribe a relative of Ghandûr. Meanwhile, he reluctantly agrees to let his son join the army, and Barakah reacts with distress to the prospect of English conquest.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Imperial Power
The chapter explores the tension between Egyptian nationalists, the Khedive, and the looming threat of English intervention, as characters debate the lesser evil.
Cultural Clash and Identity
Barakah, an Englishwoman married into an Egyptian household, is torn between her heritage and her new life, fearing the English conquest.
Characters to notice
- Yûsuf Pasha
Anxious about the political situation, he meets with other notables and plans to bribe a committee member to save himself.
- Muhammad Pasha Sâlih
The old patriarch hosts the meeting of notables, expressing disdain for the upstarts and the English.
- Ghandûr
Yûsuf's loyal servant, who advises him to send his son to the army and offers to help with the bribe.
- Barakah
Distraught when Yûsuf grants her request for their son to join the army, and horrified at the prospect of English victory.
- Hamdi Bey
Mentioned as having joined the fellahin, causing his father Muhammad Pasha dismay.
Key passages
“Better the English than this present anarchy”
Some prefer English rule over the current chaos.
A notable expresses the desperate choice between foreign domination and internal disorder.
“I would sooner die a thousand deaths than see them conquer.”
Barakah would rather die than witness an English victory.
Barakah's emotional reaction reveals her deep attachment to her adopted country.